Climate Risk for Zip Code 21742

Financial Exposure & Physical Hazard Analysis

Risk Summary

The primary drivers of climate-related financial risk in zip code 21742 are Inland Flooding, Hurricane, and Tornado.

Data SourceFEMA National Risk Index (December 2025 Update)

Understanding the Dollars

Expected Annual Loss (EAL) is a statistical average of property damage for this entire zip code over a standard year across all properties.

  • / It represents the "average cost" rather than a guaranteed yearly bill.
  • / It can be used to compare the relative risk from different hazards and across different neighborhoods.

Primary Risks

Inland Flooding

$3,202,214

Expected Annual Loss for Zip Code 21742

39.7Score

Very Low compared to US average

Hurricane

$817,095

Expected Annual Loss for Zip Code 21742

78.1Score

Relatively Moderate compared to US average

Tornado

$380,354

Expected Annual Loss for Zip Code 21742

47.8Score

Relatively Moderate compared to US average

Zip Code Risk Map

Legend
Very Low
Low
Moderate
High
Very High
Extreme

Financial Risk Inventory

MAJOR DRIVER
Inland Flooding
$3,202,214
Score: 39.7
MAJOR DRIVER
Hurricane
$817,095
Score: 78.1
MAJOR DRIVER
Tornado
$380,354
Score: 47.8
Earthquake
$319,592
Score: 57.4
Heat Wave
$280,415
Score: 52.3
Drought
$204,403
Score: 67.1
Strong Wind
$175,130
Score: 61.7
Hail
$99,540
Score: 62.2
Lightning
$97,574
Score: 57.2
Cold Wave
$71,791
Score: 24.6
Winter Weather
$43,543
Score: 71.6
Ice Storm
$6,820
Score: 14.1
Wildfire
$2,655
Score: 53.1
Landslide
$174
Score: 52.4

Recommended Mitigation Strategies

Recommended investments to protect your property value and reduce insurance liability based on your local risk profile.

💧Medium Investment

Inland Flooding Mitigation

Install a smart sump pump with battery backup and extend downspouts 10ft from foundation.

Risk Score: 39.7
🌀High Investment

Hurricane Mitigation

Install permanent hurricane shutters or upgrade to impact-resistant windows.

Risk Score: 78.1
🌪️High Investment

Tornado Mitigation

Reinforce garage doors and consider a FEMA-approved safe room or storm cellar.

Risk Score: 47.8

Methodology and Sources

Spatial Aggregation

Our "Atlas" risk scores are derived using a population-weighted spatial join. Because US Zip Codes and Census Tracts do not share perfectly aligned boundaries, a simple geographic average would be misleading. We utilize US Census Block Group population statistics to identify where residents actually live within a Zip Code. We then intersect these points with FEMA National Risk Index (NRI) hazard data to calculate a weighted exposure score.

Financial Projections (EAL)

Expected Annual Loss (EAL) estimates the average economic impact of natural hazards in dollars per year. This calculation incorporates three components: Exposure (the value of structures and agriculture), Annualized Frequency (historical probability), and Historic Loss Ratio (vulnerability of the area).

Primary Data Sources

  • FEMA National Risk IndexHazard frequency and loss data (v1.20.0)
  • U.S. Census BureauTIGER/Line 2025 Shapefiles & Decennial Population

Nearby Locations

Zip Code 21783Zip Code 21740Zip Code 17268Zip Code 17225Zip Code 17263Zip Code 21734
21742 Climate Risk Report | Financial & Hazard Analysis