Natural Disaster Risk in South Heights
Pennsylvania
Risk Summary for South Heights
South Heights scores 5.9/10 (Moderate risk), above 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: South Heights, Pennsylvania
Located in the interior eastern United States in Beaver County, South Heights is a small unincorporated community. The humid continental climate that characterizes this part of Pennsylvania — marked by cold winters, warm summers, and four distinct seasons — directly influences the types and severity of natural hazards present, making South Heights a community where hazard awareness has real practical value.
South Heights's overall natural disaster risk is rated 5.9/10 (Moderate) by FEMA's National Risk Index. The threat of avalanche is the primary natural hazard here, with winter snowpack instability on mountain terrain posing risks to roads, structures, and outdoor recreation activities. Secondary hazards include landslide and wind.
Relative to other U.S. communities, South Heights's natural disaster risk is above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10, near the 5.9/10 state average. The hazard distribution here is led by avalanche and landslide, as measured by FEMA across Beaver County. While city-specific sub-county variation exists, these scores represent the best available federal risk estimate.
With a moderate risk rating, South Heights 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 South Heights: Avalanche preparedness
- Be aware of slope angles and recent snow loading, which drive avalanche risk.
- Properties in runout zones may require specialized hazard assessment and insurance.
- Check avalanche forecasts before backcountry travel and carry a beacon, probe, and shovel.
Local Factors for South Heights
These city-level factors differentiate South Heights from other communities in Beaver County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
404
RuralGeographic Zone
Inland
Reduced coastal hazard exposure
Climate Band
Moderate Continental
Latitude 40.6°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Lower — moist climate limits wildfire frequency
Fire score: 4.3/10
Coordinates
40.5747° N, 80.2361° W
Beaver 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 South Heights
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in South Heights
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.