Natural Disaster Risk in Oil City
Pennsylvania
Risk Summary for Oil City
Oil City scores 4.9/10 (Moderate risk), near the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Avalanche.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Scores
How it compares
Live Conditions
🏠 What this means for insurance
Average risk — standard coverage usually sufficient
This area carries average natural disaster risk. A standard homeowners or renters policy should cover common events, but review the exclusions for floods and earthquakes, which are almost never included by default.
This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.
Natural Hazard Profile: Oil City, Pennsylvania
Oil City, in Venango County, is a city of approximately 15,233 residents situated in the Great Lakes region. Its humid continental climate brings cold winters, warm summers, and four distinct seasons, and in particular nor'easter exposure and spring river flooding. These conditions collectively define the natural hazard environment that Oil City residents and property owners must navigate.
Oil City's overall natural disaster risk is rated 4.9/10 (Moderate) by FEMA's National Risk Index. Snow avalanche exposure tops the local risk profile, with the area's mountain setting and annual snowfall loading producing regular avalanche cycles on steep slopes. Secondary hazards include lightning and wind.
Within Pennsylvania, Oil City's risk is, slightly below the 5.9/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks near the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of Venango County identifies avalanche as the foremost hazard, followed by lightning and wind. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.
With a moderate risk rating, Oil City residents are well-served by maintaining standard preparedness practices — an emergency supply kit, awareness of local hazard seasonality, and insurance that covers the top local risks. Periodic review of coverage for avalanche is recommended.
What this means for Oil City: Avalanche preparedness
- Properties in runout zones may require specialized hazard assessment and insurance.
- Check avalanche forecasts before backcountry travel and carry a beacon, probe, and shovel.
- Be aware of slope angles and recent snow loading, which drive avalanche risk.
Local Factors for Oil City
These city-level factors differentiate Oil City from other communities in Venango County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
15,233
SuburbanGeographic Zone
Great Lakes
Lake-effect snow & wind risk
Climate Band
Moderate Continental
Latitude 41.5°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Lower — moist climate limits wildfire frequency
Fire score: 2.4/10
Coordinates
41.4560° N, 79.6495° W
Venango County
Population and coordinates from SimpleMaps US Cities data. Hazard scores from FEMA National Risk Index. Geographic classification derived from coordinates.
Recent Climate Data for Oil City
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in Oil City
Other cities in Pennsylvania
Data source: FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Scores normalized to 1–10 across all US counties. City scores inherit county-level FEMA data. For informational purposes only.