Natural Disaster Risk — ZIP Code 21842
Ocean City, Maryland
Risk Summary for ZIP 21842
ZIP 21842 scores 7.5/10 (High risk), above the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Extreme Heat.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Scores
How it compares
Live Conditions
🏠 What this means for insurance
Above-average risk — check your policy limits
Standard homeowners insurance may not fully cover all hazards rated highly in this area. Verify that your policy includes adequate coverage for the top local hazards, and ask your insurer about specific endorsements or separate policies (e.g., flood, earthquake).
This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.
Natural Hazard Profile: ZIP 21842, Maryland
ZIP 21842 in Ocean City sits along the mid-Atlantic coast. Its humid subtropical climate produces warm summers, mild winters, and coastal storm exposure, and notably tropical storm and nor'easter impacts. These conditions define the natural disaster environment for households across this ZIP code.
According to FEMA's National Risk Index, ZIP 21842 carries an overall risk score of 7.5/10, placing it in the high category. Extreme heat is the top natural hazard concern, with summer temperatures regularly reaching dangerous thresholds that pose serious health risks, particularly for elderly and outdoor workers. The area also faces notable exposure to winter and cold wave.
Within Maryland, ZIP 21842's risk is, slightly above the 6.5/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks well above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of Maryland identifies heat as the foremost hazard, followed by winter and cold wave. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.
ZIP 21842's high risk designation reflects meaningful exposure to natural hazards. Residents should verify that their insurance covers the area's primary risks, prepare a family emergency plan, and stay informed about seasonal hazard peaks through local weather and emergency management services.
What this means for ZIP 21842: Extreme Heat preparedness
- Stay hydrated and limit outdoor activity during the hottest hours when heat advisories are issued.
- Ensure reliable air conditioning and identify nearby cooling centers for extreme heat days.
- Check on elderly neighbors and never leave children or pets in parked vehicles.
Risk for the surrounding area
Local Factors for ZIP 21842
These city-level factors differentiate ZIP 21842 from other communities in Maryland County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
11,226
SuburbanGeographic Zone
Atlantic Coast
Hurricane, nor'easter & coastal flood risk
Climate Band
Moderate Continental
Latitude 38.4°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Lower — moist climate limits wildfire frequency
Fire score: 3.4/10
Coordinates
38.3778° N, 75.0908° 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 21842
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.