States With Least Natural Disasters

Map

Table

Introduction

A natural disaster is any sudden event caused by the forces of nature that result in loss or damage to life, property, and infrastructure. Natural disasters occur in many forms across the United States. The most common disasters include floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, wildfires, blizzards, and tsunamis. They can have a major impact both economically and socially on the United States due to their sheer power and destructiveness. Property damage is one of the most visible effects of natural disasters; homes are destroyed and businesses suffer losses that can take years to recover from.

In addition to physical destruction, there can be emotional tolls taken on people affected by these events; some may suffer psychological damage due to trauma or grief related to losing loved ones or property in a disaster’s wake. In terms of economic impacts, recovery costs related to rebuilding infrastructure or addressing environmental damage can add up quickly over time with no guarantee of full reimbursement from insurance companies or government agencies. Natural disasters also often lead to displacement for those impacted by them—whether it be temporary relocation for communities threatened by fires or long-term migration for those whose homes were completely destroyed by floods or hurricanes—leading citizens away from countries they had previously called home.

#StateNumber of Natural DisastersNumber of Earthquakes
1Delaware10
2Massachusetts10
3New Mexico138
4Colorado256
5Nevada2513
6South Dakota26
7Maine33
8New Hampshire31
9Alaska49,020
10Hawaii4200
11Utah469
12Arkansas568
13Michigan52
14Idaho695
15Rhode Island60
16Arizona761
17Georgia90
18North Dakota91
19Alabama1010
20North Carolina111
21Oregon1117
22Montana1289
23West Virginia122
24Pennsylvania130
25Illinois145
26Vermont160
27Connecticut171
28California211,545
29Iowa250
30Missouri3013
31Virginia3413
32Nebraska396
33Washington4560
34New Jersey470
35Kansas55104
36Florida610
37New York633
38Tennessee648
39Kentucky1472
40Oklahoma1551,714
41Mississippi2023
42Louisiana3271
43Texas51083

Types of Natural Disasters

In the United States, natural disasters include many types of extreme weather such as hurricanes, tornadoes, lightning strikes, floods, droughts, earthquakes, fires, volcanic eruptions, and landslides. Floods are one of the most destructive types of natural disasters in the country. They occur when water overflows from rivers and streams onto nearby lands. In areas where regular rainfall occurs and soils are particularly dry or impermeable, floods can be more frequent and devastating. Hurricanes are another type of natural disaster affecting the U.S., particularly along coastal regions like Florida and Louisiana. Hurricanes are powerful storms with high winds that cause flooding, storm surge, and wind damage to coastal areas.

Earthquakes often strike without warning but can cause tremendous destruction when they do hit. The worst earthquake on record in the United States happened off the coast of Alaska in 1964, causing extensive damage to towns along the Pacific coast as far away as California. Tornadoes are violent windstorms with very high winds that develop over land or water and spawn deadly twisters that can bring widespread destruction over a large area. Wildfires occur mainly in early spring or late summer during periods of dry weather and extreme heat; these fires can be exacerbated by drought conditions and human activities such as careless camping practices or arson attacks.

Blizzards also affect parts of the U.S., especially in states like Montana and Wyoming where cold winter temperatures often result in heavy snowfalls that create hazardous driving conditions for motorists. Finally, tsunamis—which come from underwater seismic activity like earthquakes—are rare occurrences in the U.S., but they have been known to cause significant losses at sea level along coasts such as Hawaii’s Big Island or Alaskan islands due to their potentially destructive waves reaching far inland from the ocean shores.

States with Least Natural Disasters

The states with the least natural disasters are Delaware, Massachusetts, and New Mexico, reporting one natural disaster each. Two natural disasters were declared by the state of Colorado, Nevada, and South Dakota, placing them fourth, fifth, and sixth compared to the rest of the country. Ranking seventh and eighth are Maine and New Hampshire with three natural disasters declared by these states. The ninth and tenth states with the least natural disasters are Alaska and Hawaii with four natural disasters declared by these states.

The 10 states with the least natural disasters are:

1. Delaware – 1 natural disaster declared
2. Massachusetts – 1 natural disaster declared
3. New Mexico –1 natural disaster declared
4. Colorado – 2 natural disasters declared
5. Nevada – 2 natural disasters declared
6. South Dakota – 2 natural disasters declared
7. Maine – 3 natural disasters declared
8. New Hampshire – 3 natural disasters declared
9. Alaska – 4 natural disasters declared
10. Hawaii – 4 natural disasters declared

Number of Natural Disasters by State

Alabama

See less

do_not_disturb_on

Number of Natural Disasters

help

10

Ranked in the US

#19

Number of Earthquakes

help

10

Ranked in the US

#20

Number of Natural Disasters

Number of Earthquakes

Alaska

See more

add_circle

Number of Natural Disasters

help

4

Ranked in the US

#9

Number of Earthquakes

help

9,020

Ranked in the US

#1

Number of Natural Disasters

Number of Earthquakes

Arizona

See more

add_circle

Number of Natural Disasters

help

7

Ranked in the US

#16

Number of Earthquakes

help

61

Ranked in the US

#13

Number of Natural Disasters

Number of Earthquakes

Arkansas

See more

add_circle

Number of Natural Disasters

help

5

Ranked in the US

#12

Number of Earthquakes

help

68

Ranked in the US

#12

Number of Natural Disasters

Number of Earthquakes

California

See more

add_circle

Number of Natural Disasters

help

21

Ranked in the US

#28

Number of Earthquakes

help

1,545

Ranked in the US

#3

Number of Natural Disasters

Number of Earthquakes

Colorado

See more

add_circle

Number of Natural Disasters

help

2

Ranked in the US

#4

Number of Earthquakes

help

56

Ranked in the US

#15

Number of Natural Disasters

Number of Earthquakes

Connecticut

See more

add_circle

Number of Natural Disasters

help

17

Ranked in the US

#27

Number of Earthquakes

help

1

Ranked in the US

#34

Number of Natural Disasters

Number of Earthquakes

Delaware

See more

add_circle

Number of Natural Disasters

help

1

Ranked in the US

#1

Number of Earthquakes

help

0

Ranked in the US

#41

Number of Natural Disasters

Number of Earthquakes

Florida

See more

add_circle

Number of Natural Disasters

help

61

Ranked in the US

#36

Number of Earthquakes

help

0

Ranked in the US

#42

Number of Natural Disasters

Number of Earthquakes

Georgia

See more

add_circle

Number of Natural Disasters

help

9

Ranked in the US

#17

Number of Earthquakes

help

0

Ranked in the US

#43

Number of Natural Disasters

Number of Earthquakes

Hawaii

See more

add_circle

Number of Natural Disasters

help

4

Ranked in the US

#10

Number of Earthquakes

help

200

Ranked in the US

#6

Number of Natural Disasters

Number of Earthquakes

Idaho

See more

add_circle

Number of Natural Disasters

help

6

Ranked in the US

#14

Number of Earthquakes

help

95

Ranked in the US

#8

Number of Natural Disasters

Number of Earthquakes

Illinois

See more

add_circle

Number of Natural Disasters

help

14

Ranked in the US

#25

Number of Earthquakes

help

5

Ranked in the US

#25

Number of Natural Disasters

Number of Earthquakes

Iowa

See more

add_circle

Number of Natural Disasters

help

25

Ranked in the US

#29

Number of Earthquakes

help

0

Ranked in the US

#44

Number of Natural Disasters

Number of Earthquakes

Kansas

See more

add_circle

Number of Natural Disasters

help

55

Ranked in the US

#35

Number of Earthquakes

help

104

Ranked in the US

#7

Number of Natural Disasters

Number of Earthquakes

Kentucky

See more

add_circle

Number of Natural Disasters

help

147

Ranked in the US

#39

Number of Earthquakes

help

2

Ranked in the US

#31

Number of Natural Disasters

Number of Earthquakes

Louisiana

See more

add_circle

Number of Natural Disasters

help

327

Ranked in the US

#42

Number of Earthquakes

help

1

Ranked in the US

#35

Number of Natural Disasters

Number of Earthquakes

Maine

See more

add_circle

Number of Natural Disasters

help

3

Ranked in the US

#7

Number of Earthquakes

help

3

Ranked in the US

#27

Number of Natural Disasters

Number of Earthquakes

Massachusetts

See more

add_circle

Number of Natural Disasters

help

1

Ranked in the US

#2

Number of Earthquakes

help

0

Ranked in the US

#45

Number of Natural Disasters

Number of Earthquakes

Michigan

See more

add_circle

Number of Natural Disasters

help

5

Ranked in the US

#13

Number of Earthquakes

help

2

Ranked in the US

#32

The state has declared five natural disasters including storms and floods, ranking 13th in the country for the most natural disasters in 2021 alone. In May of 2020, Michigan was hit with two days of severe storms that caused widespread wind damage and flooding in some areas. In August of 2016, one tornado ripped through the city of Canton, damaging over 1,000 homes and leaving several people injured. The most devastating natural disaster to affect Michigan was certainly the Midland Floods of 1986 which resulted in significant loss of life and property damage across a large portion of eastern Michigan. In addition to these more severe events, Michigan also experiences various other types of weather-related disasters such as heavy snowfalls, blizzards, hailstorms, and ice storms.

Number of Natural Disasters

Number of Earthquakes

Mississippi

See more

add_circle

Number of Natural Disasters

help

202

Ranked in the US

#41

Number of Earthquakes

help

3

Ranked in the US

#28

Number of Natural Disasters

Number of Earthquakes

Missouri

See more

add_circle

Number of Natural Disasters

help

30

Ranked in the US

#30

Number of Earthquakes

help

13

Ranked in the US

#18

Number of Natural Disasters

Number of Earthquakes

Montana

See more

add_circle

Number of Natural Disasters

help

12

Ranked in the US

#22

Number of Earthquakes

help

89

Ranked in the US

#9

Montana has seen an increased number of natural disasters in 2021, with twelve disasters having been declared across the state. The type of natural disasters affecting Montana includes wildfires, severe storms and flooding, as well as extreme temperatures and snowstorms. In recent years, wildfires have become a particularly concerning area of concern for Montana residents, with 2020 seeing the worst wildfire season to date. These blazes resulted in millions of acres burned and the destruction of numerous homes and businesses throughout the state. Severe storms, such as thunderstorms and tornadoes, also present a risk to Montanans, as they can cause damage to property and infrastructure as well as result in injuries or fatalities. Similarly, flooding is a frequent occurrence throughout the state due to its mountainous terrain and large river systems. Heavy rains can quickly lead to flash floods that can be incredibly destructive if not monitored properly. Low temperatures during winter months can also pose risks for Montanans who are unprepared for extremely cold weather conditions or lack access to proper insulation or heating sources. Lastly, snowstorms are common during winter months and can bring heavy snowfall totals that can cause roads to be impassable or disrupt utility services like electricity or water supply lines.

Number of Natural Disasters

Number of Earthquakes

Nebraska

See more

add_circle

Number of Natural Disasters

help

39

Ranked in the US

#32

Number of Earthquakes

help

6

Ranked in the US

#22

Number of Natural Disasters

Number of Earthquakes

Nevada

See more

add_circle

Number of Natural Disasters

help

2

Ranked in the US

#5

Number of Earthquakes

help

513

Ranked in the US

#4

Number of Natural Disasters

Number of Earthquakes

New Hampshire

See more

add_circle

Number of Natural Disasters

help

3

Ranked in the US

#8

Number of Earthquakes

help

1

Ranked in the US

#38

Number of Natural Disasters

Number of Earthquakes

New Jersey

See more

add_circle

Number of Natural Disasters

help

47

Ranked in the US

#34

Number of Earthquakes

help

0

Ranked in the US

#46

Number of Natural Disasters

Number of Earthquakes

New Mexico

See more

add_circle

Number of Natural Disasters

help

1

Ranked in the US

#3

Number of Earthquakes

help

38

Ranked in the US

#16

Number of Natural Disasters

Number of Earthquakes

New York

See more

add_circle

Number of Natural Disasters

help

63

Ranked in the US

#37

Number of Earthquakes

help

3

Ranked in the US

#29

Number of Natural Disasters

Number of Earthquakes

North Carolina

See more

add_circle

Number of Natural Disasters

help

11

Ranked in the US

#20

Number of Earthquakes

help

1

Ranked in the US

#39

Number of Natural Disasters

Number of Earthquakes

North Dakota

See more

add_circle

Number of Natural Disasters

help

9

Ranked in the US

#18

Number of Earthquakes

help

1

Ranked in the US

#40

Number of Natural Disasters

Number of Earthquakes

Oklahoma

See more

add_circle

Number of Natural Disasters

help

155

Ranked in the US

#40

Number of Earthquakes

help

1,714

Ranked in the US

#2

Number of Natural Disasters

Number of Earthquakes

Oregon

See more

add_circle

Number of Natural Disasters

help

11

Ranked in the US

#21

Number of Earthquakes

help

17

Ranked in the US

#17

Number of Natural Disasters

Number of Earthquakes

Pennsylvania

See more

add_circle

Number of Natural Disasters

help

13

Ranked in the US

#24

Number of Earthquakes

help

0

Ranked in the US

#47

Number of Natural Disasters

Number of Earthquakes

Rhode Island

See more

add_circle

Number of Natural Disasters

help

6

Ranked in the US

#15

Number of Earthquakes

help

0

Ranked in the US

#48

Number of Natural Disasters

Number of Earthquakes

South Dakota

See more

add_circle

Number of Natural Disasters

help

2

Ranked in the US

#6

Number of Earthquakes

help

6

Ranked in the US

#24

Number of Natural Disasters

Number of Earthquakes

Tennessee

See more

add_circle

Number of Natural Disasters

help

64

Ranked in the US

#38

Number of Earthquakes

help

8

Ranked in the US

#21

Number of Natural Disasters

Number of Earthquakes

Texas

See more

add_circle

Number of Natural Disasters

help

510

Ranked in the US

#43

Number of Earthquakes

help

83

Ranked in the US

#10

Texas is frequently subjected to a wide range of natural disasters, from hurricanes and floods to tornadoes and wildfires. In 2021, Texas experienced an especially high number of natural disasters with 510 in total. This places the state at forty-third in the nation for most natural disasters declared that year. The state has seen a steady rise in the frequency of such events over the last few years due to its unique geography and climate. Home to both arid deserts and humid swamps, Texas' diverse landscape creates ideal conditions for unpredictable weather patterns that can often lead to destructive storms or other natural disasters. Furthermore, the state's close proximity to Mexico increases its vulnerability to hurricanes which bring strong winds and heavy rains that can easily cause flooding in low-lying areas.

Number of Natural Disasters

Number of Earthquakes

Utah

See more

add_circle

Number of Natural Disasters

help

4

Ranked in the US

#11

Number of Earthquakes

help

69

Ranked in the US

#11

Number of Natural Disasters

Number of Earthquakes

Vermont

See more

add_circle

Number of Natural Disasters

help

16

Ranked in the US

#26

Number of Earthquakes

help

0

Ranked in the US

#49

In 2021, Vermont declared 16 natural disasters, making it the 26th highest-ranked state in that category. The most common natural disasters to strike the state include flooding, winter storms, and ice storms. In 2021 alone, Vermont experienced some of the most severe floods in recent history due to heavy rains that caused extensive damage to homes and businesses across the state. Winter storms are also a common occurrence in Vermont, resulting in significant power outages, downed trees, and blocked roads due to accumulated snow and ice. Ice storms can be especially devastating for the state, causing power outages that can last for days as well as road closures due to treacherous conditions. All of these disasters have taken a toll on the state's infrastructure over time and led to costly repairs for local businesses and homeowners alike.

Number of Natural Disasters

Number of Earthquakes

Virginia

See more

add_circle

Number of Natural Disasters

help

34

Ranked in the US

#31

Number of Earthquakes

help

13

Ranked in the US

#19

Number of Natural Disasters

Number of Earthquakes

Washington

See more

add_circle

Number of Natural Disasters

help

45

Ranked in the US

#33

Number of Earthquakes

help

60

Ranked in the US

#14

Washington experienced 45 disasters in 2021 putting the state at thirty-third in the nation for the number of natural disasters declared. The majority of Washington's natural disasters are caused by floods, landslides, and windstorms. Flooding is often caused by excessive rainfall or snowmelt and can cause serious damage to infrastructure. Landslides tend to occur during periods of heavy rain and high winds, which can be damaging to homes located on hillsides or near cliffs. Windstorms are powerful storms that come with strong gusts of wind, usually accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning strikes. Damage from these storms includes property damage, downed trees, and power outages. Natural disasters in Washington can have far-reaching effects that can take months or years to recover from, so it is important for residents to stay informed and prepared in case of potential disaster scenarios.

Number of Natural Disasters

Number of Earthquakes

West Virginia

See more

add_circle

Number of Natural Disasters

help

12

Ranked in the US

#23

Number of Earthquakes

help

2

Ranked in the US

#33

Number of Natural Disasters

Number of Earthquakes

FAQs

What state has the fewest natural disasters?

The states with the fewest natural disasters are Delaware, Massachusetts, and New Mexico, reporting one natural disaster each.

What is the best state to live in to avoid natural disasters?

The best states to live in to avoid natural disasters are Delaware, Massachusetts, and New Mexico.

Which state has the most earthquakes?

The states with the most earthquakes are California and Alaska.

Need to survey a highly targeted audience?

Talk to our Experts