On FEMA’s figures, Jacobus faces less hazard damage per building than 91% of U.S. towns, mostly from river and rain flooding
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Jacobus gets an A for hazard risk: lower expected damage per building than 91% of U.S. towns. Most of that expected damage is river and rain flooding (70%), then hurricanes (23%). Flood insurance has paid 3 claims here since 1985.
Graded on FEMA’s expected yearly building damage per dollar of building value (NRI v1.20, December 2025), weighted by where residents live; flood claims are shown, not graded. How hazard risk is graded
What Jacobus faces
Each hazard’s share of the building damage FEMA expects here, and how its rate compares with the rest of the country.
River and rain flooding
Hurricanes
Shares are of FEMA’s expected building damage, the measure the grade uses; ranks compare each hazard’s building-damage rate with all 85,154 U.S. census tracts. In FEMA’s terms, river and rain flooding is FEMA’s “Inland Flooding” (rivers and streams overflowing their banks, or rain overwhelming drainage). FEMA defines coastal flooding as high or rising tides and storm surge, so surge damage is counted there. Drought isn’t listed: FEMA counts its losses in crops only.
What’s behind Jacobus’ grade
River and rain flooding is 70% of the building damage FEMA expects in Jacobus, and Jacobus’ rate of river and rain flooding damage is lower than 81% of U.S. census tracts. Next is hurricanes at 23% (higher than 83% of U.S. census tracts).
A lower expected damage per building than 91% of U.S. towns (21,298).
All of Jacobus’ residents live in one census tract; the figures are that tract’s.
In dollars, FEMA expects about $325K a year in losses across Jacobus: $240K to buildings, the rest to people and crops.
Does Jacobus flood? Rarely: 3 flood claims since 1985
Every paid claim on a federal flood insurance policy in Jacobus, from FEMA’s records: 4.1 per 1,000 homes, more than 55% of the 13,809 U.S. towns with a flood insurance record.
- Hurricane Irene1 claim · $1K
Jacobus isn’t in FEMA’s Community Rating System, which cuts flood insurance up to 45% in towns that do extra flood-proofing.
Insurance rates: York County.2 federal disasters brought FEMA money to Jacobus
Disasters that paid out in Jacobus itself (aid to households or repair grants to the Borough of Jacobus), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2021Remnants of Hurricane Ida1 households applied for aid$11K aid approved
- 2011Tropical Storm Lee7 households applied for aid$3K aid approved1 flood claim paid that year
York County has had 17 natural disasters declared by the President since 1953, most often winter storms, then floods. Not counted: the 2005 Hurricane Katrina evacuee emergency, which covered counties that took in evacuees.
Old photos of Jacobus after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the Jacobus archive →Get ready for what Jacobus faces
A short kit for the hazards that drive the building damage here, what to check before you buy, and where neighbors get alerts.
- Turn around at flooded roads: a foot of moving water can carry off a car.
- Flood insurance usually takes 30 days to start, so buy it before the forecast.
- Keep papers and medicines up high, in a grab-and-go bag.
- The season runs June through November and peaks from mid-August to mid-October.
- Bring in porch furniture and anything the wind can throw.
- Fill the gas tank and charge phones before the storm arrives.
- Look up the address on FEMA’s flood map.
- Ask the seller or landlord whether it has ever flooded, and what flood insurance costs there.
- Get a flood insurance quote early: policies usually start 30 days after you buy.
Know where neighbors sign up for alerts? Add it to the Handbook so everyone has it.
Questions about natural hazards in Jacobus
Is Jacobus at risk for natural disasters?
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Jacobus has lower expected damage per building than 91% of U.S. towns: A for hazard risk. Most of the expected damage is river and rain flooding (70%) and hurricanes (23%). The figures are for the one census tract the town shares with its neighbors. This is FEMA’s model of an average year for today’s buildings, not a forecast.
Does Jacobus flood?
Flood insurance has paid 3 claims in Jacobus since 1985, $3K in all, or 4.1 per 1,000 homes, more than 55% of U.S. towns with a flood insurance record. 1 properties have flooded more than once. The most claims came from Hurricane Irene (1).
Is Jacobus in a flood zone?
Flood zones are drawn street by street, so the answer depends on the address: look it up on FEMA’s flood map. In York County, 30% of homes in mapped flood zones carry federal flood insurance, and 0.4% of all homes do.
How much is flood insurance in Jacobus?
FEMA’s Community Rating System list shows no discount for Jacobus’ flood program. Premiums depend on the building; policies usually start 30 days after you buy, so get a quote early.
What was the biggest storm in Jacobus?
By FEMA money that reached Jacobus, Remnants of Hurricane Ida (2021): 1 households applied for aid, $11K approved. By flood claims, Hurricane Irene: 1 paid, $1K.
Is Jacobus at risk from river and rain flooding?
It is the largest share of the building damage FEMA expects here (70%), and Jacobus’ rate for it is lower than 81% of U.S. census tracts.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in Jacobus.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where Jacobus’ residents lived in the 2020 census; OpenFEMA: NFIP redacted claims, multiple-loss properties, community status book and residential penetration rates, housing assistance (owners and renters), public assistance funded projects, hazard mitigation properties and disaster declarations. Homes: Census ACS 2020–24. Preparedness tips: Ready.gov. FEMA’s model is an average of expected damage, not a forecast. How hazard risk is graded.