Natural Disaster Risk — ZIP Code 02557
Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts
Risk Summary for ZIP 02557
ZIP 02557 scores 3.6/10 (Low risk), below the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Coastal Flooding.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Scores
How it compares
Live Conditions
🏠 What this means for insurance
Below-average risk — standard coverage likely adequate
Natural disaster risk here is below the US average. Standard homeowners insurance will typically be sufficient, but it is still worth reviewing exclusions for floods and earthquakes.
This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.
Natural Hazard Profile: ZIP 02557, Massachusetts
Located along the northeastern Atlantic Seaboard, ZIP 02557 serves the Oak Bluffs community. The humid continental climate of this part of Massachusetts — bringing cold winters with heavy snowfall and warm summers — directly shapes the hazard exposure for properties in this postal area.
ZIP 02557's overall natural disaster risk is rated 3.6/10 (Low) by FEMA's National Risk Index. Coastal flood risk defines the local natural hazard environment, with sea-level rise trends gradually increasing the frequency of tidal flooding events alongside storm surge threats. Secondary hazards include hurricane and tsunami.
Relative to other U.S. communities, ZIP 02557's natural disaster risk is below the U.S. national average of 4.5/10, considerably below the 6.5/10 state average. The hazard distribution here is led by coastal flood and hurricane, as measured by FEMA across Massachusetts. While city-specific sub-county variation exists, these scores represent the best available federal risk estimate.
Despite its lower-than-average risk classification, ZIP 02557 is not immune to natural hazards. Basic preparedness — an emergency kit, awareness of seasonal risks, and property insurance that covers coastal flood — remains prudent for all residents.
What this means for ZIP 02557: Coastal Flooding preparedness
- Know your evacuation zone and monitor tidal and surge forecasts during coastal storms.
- Elevate utilities and consider flood-resistant construction in low-lying shoreline areas.
- Coastal flood and storm-surge damage requires separate flood insurance, not standard homeowners coverage.
Risk for the surrounding area
Local Factors for ZIP 02557
These city-level factors differentiate ZIP 02557 from other communities in Massachusetts County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
1,250
Small TownGeographic Zone
Atlantic Coast
Hurricane, nor'easter & coastal flood risk
Climate Band
Moderate Continental
Latitude 41.4°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Lower — moist climate limits wildfire frequency
Fire score: 3.7/10
Coordinates
41.4422° N, 70.5665° W
Population and coordinates from SimpleMaps US Cities data. Hazard scores from FEMA National Risk Index. Geographic classification derived from coordinates.
Recent Climate Data for ZIP 02557
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
Nearby ZIP codes
Other cities in Massachusetts
Data source: FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). County-level data applied to ZIP codes within each county. Scores are normalized to 1–10 across all US counties. This information is for general awareness only — consult official emergency management resources and a licensed insurer for property-specific advice.