Photo: Bing722 · CC BY-SA 3.0FEMA expects less hazard damage per building in Kulpmont than almost anywhere in the U.S., mostly from river and rain flooding
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Kulpmont gets an A+ for hazard risk: among the lowest expected damage per building of U.S. towns, #29 of 1,037 in Pennsylvania. Most of that expected damage is river and rain flooding (73%), then hurricanes (12%). Flood insurance has paid 1 claim here since 1981.
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 Kulpmont 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
Tornadoes
Strong wind
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 Kulpmont’s grade
River and rain flooding is 73% of the building damage FEMA expects in Kulpmont, and Kulpmont’s rate of river and rain flooding damage is lower than 93% of U.S. census tracts. Next is hurricanes at 12% (higher than 69% of U.S. census tracts).
A+ #29 of 1,037 in Pennsylvania; among the lowest expected damage per building of U.S. towns (21,298).
All of Kulpmont’s residents live in one census tract; the figures are that tract’s.
The typical Pennsylvania town has lower expected damage than 71% of U.S. towns; within the state, Kulpmont has less expected damage per building than 97% of Pennsylvania towns.
In dollars, FEMA expects about $467K a year in losses across Kulpmont: $337K to buildings, the rest to people and crops.
Does Kulpmont flood? Rarely: 1 flood claim since 1981
Every paid claim on a federal flood insurance policy in Kulpmont, from FEMA’s records: 0.7 per 1,000 homes, fewer than 85% of the 13,809 U.S. towns with a flood insurance record.
Kulpmont isn’t in FEMA’s Community Rating System, which cuts flood insurance up to 45% in towns that do extra flood-proofing.
Insurance rates: Northumberland County.3 federal disasters brought FEMA money to Kulpmont
Disasters that paid out in Kulpmont itself (aid to households or repair grants to the Borough of Kulpmont), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2011Tropical Storm Lee26 households applied for aid$15K aid approved
- 2006Severe Storms, Flooding, and Mudslides8 households applied for aid$9K aid approved
- 2004Tropical Depression Ivan2 households applied for aid$529 aid approved
Northumberland County has had 15 natural disasters declared by the President since 1953, most often floods, then severe storms. Not counted: the 2005 Hurricane Katrina evacuee emergency, which covered counties that took in evacuees.
Old photos of Kulpmont after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the Kulpmont archive →Kulpmont and its neighbors
Kulpmont has the lowest expected damage per building of the 2 graded towns here. Tap a town to see its hazards.
| Town | Hazard risk | Mostly (buildings) | Flood claims |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kulpmont | A+among the lowest damage | river and rain flooding | 1 |
| Mount Carmel Township | Aless damage than 95% | river and rain flooding | 2 |
Hazard risk = FEMA’s expected yearly building damage per dollar of building value, vs. the 21,298 U.S. towns we grade; the map is shaded by fifths of the same scale. Flood claims = paid federal flood insurance claims on record.
Get ready for what Kulpmont 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.
- Pick your spot now: the lowest floor, an inside room, no windows.
- A watch means be ready; a warning means take cover now.
- Keep shoes and a flashlight by the bed.
- Trim dead limbs over the house and driveway.
- Tie down trash cans and outdoor furniture.
- Stay clear of downed lines and call the utility.
- 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 Kulpmont
Is Kulpmont at risk for natural disasters?
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Kulpmont has among the lowest expected damage per building of U.S. towns: A+ for hazard risk, #29 of 1,037 in Pennsylvania. Most of the expected damage is river and rain flooding (73%) and hurricanes (12%). 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 Kulpmont flood?
Flood insurance has paid 1 claim in Kulpmont since 1981, $241 in all, or 0.7 per 1,000 homes, fewer than 85% of U.S. towns with a flood insurance record.
Is Kulpmont 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 Northumberland County, 15% of homes in mapped flood zones carry federal flood insurance, and 1.0% of all homes do.
How much is flood insurance in Kulpmont?
FEMA’s Community Rating System list shows no discount for Kulpmont’s 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 Kulpmont?
By FEMA money that reached Kulpmont, Tropical Storm Lee (2011): 26 households applied for aid, $15K approved.
Is Kulpmont at risk from river and rain flooding?
It is the largest share of the building damage FEMA expects here (73%), and Kulpmont’s rate for it is lower than 93% of U.S. census tracts.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in Kulpmont.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where Kulpmont’s 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.