Natural Disaster Risk — ZIP Code 21541
McHenry, Maryland
Risk Summary for ZIP 21541
ZIP 21541 scores 5.2/10 (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: ZIP 21541, Maryland
Located along the mid-Atlantic coast, ZIP 21541 serves the McHenry community. The humid subtropical climate of this part of Maryland — bringing warm summers, mild winters, and coastal storm exposure — directly shapes the hazard exposure for properties in this postal area.
ZIP 21541's overall natural disaster risk is rated 5.2/10 (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 hurricane.
Relative to other U.S. communities, ZIP 21541's natural disaster risk is above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10, slightly below the 6.5/10 state average. The hazard distribution here is led by avalanche and landslide, as measured by FEMA across Maryland. While city-specific sub-county variation exists, these scores represent the best available federal risk estimate.
With a moderate risk rating, ZIP 21541 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 ZIP 21541: 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.
Risk for the surrounding area
Local Factors for ZIP 21541
These city-level factors differentiate ZIP 21541 from other communities in Maryland County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
1,335
Small TownGeographic Zone
Inland
Reduced coastal hazard exposure
Climate Band
Moderate Continental
Latitude 39.6°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Lower — moist climate limits wildfire frequency
Fire score: 4.0/10
Coordinates
39.5573° N, 79.3673° 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 21541
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
Nearby ZIP codes
Other cities in Maryland
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.