Photo: Nyttend · Public domainLess hazard damage per building is expected in West Leechburg than in 68% of U.S. towns, mostly from river and rain flooding
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, West Leechburg gets a B+ for hazard risk: lower expected damage per building than 68% of U.S. towns. Most of that expected damage is river and rain flooding (94%). Flood insurance has paid 1 claim here since 2018.
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 West Leechburg 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
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 West Leechburg’s grade
River and rain flooding is 94% of the building damage FEMA expects in West Leechburg, and West Leechburg’s rate of river and rain flooding damage is higher than 62% of U.S. census tracts.
B+ lower expected damage per building than 68% of U.S. towns (21,298).
All of West Leechburg’s residents live in one census tract; the figures are that tract’s.
In dollars, FEMA expects about $356K a year in losses across West Leechburg: $335K to buildings, the rest to people and crops.
Does West Leechburg flood? Rarely: 1 flood claim since 2018
Every paid claim on a federal flood insurance policy in West Leechburg, from FEMA’s records: 1.7 per 1,000 homes, fewer than 66% of the 13,809 U.S. towns with a flood insurance record.
West Leechburg isn’t in FEMA’s Community Rating System, which cuts flood insurance up to 45% in towns that do extra flood-proofing.
Insurance rates: Westmoreland County.1 federal disaster brought FEMA money to West Leechburg
Disasters that paid out in West Leechburg itself (aid to households or repair grants to the Borough of West Leechburg), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2004Tropical Depression Ivan2 households applied for aid$4K aid approved
Westmoreland County has had 17 natural disasters declared by the President since 1953, most often floods, then winter storms. Not counted: the 2005 Hurricane Katrina evacuee emergency, which covered counties that took in evacuees.
Old photos of West Leechburg after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the West Leechburg archive →West Leechburg and its neighbors
West Leechburg is 2nd of the 4 graded towns here, from least expected damage per building to most. Tap a town to see its hazards.
| Town | Hazard risk | Mostly (buildings) | Flood claims |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allegheny Township | B+less damage than 74% | river and rain flooding | 20 |
| West Leechburg | B+less damage than 68% | river and rain flooding | 1 |
| Gilpin Township | C−more damage than 81% | river and rain flooding | 51 |
| Leechburg | Dmore damage than 88% | river and rain flooding | 6 |
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 West Leechburg 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.
- 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 West Leechburg
Is West Leechburg at risk for natural disasters?
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, West Leechburg has lower expected damage per building than 68% of U.S. towns: B+ for hazard risk. Most of the expected damage is river and rain flooding (94%). 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 West Leechburg flood?
Flood insurance has paid 1 claim in West Leechburg since 2018, $25K in all, or 1.7 per 1,000 homes, fewer than 66% of U.S. towns with a flood insurance record.
Is West Leechburg 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 Westmoreland County, 21% of homes in mapped flood zones carry federal flood insurance, and 0.5% of all homes do.
How much is flood insurance in West Leechburg?
FEMA’s Community Rating System list shows no discount for West Leechburg’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 West Leechburg?
By FEMA money that reached West Leechburg, Tropical Depression Ivan (2004): 2 households applied for aid, $4K approved.
Is West Leechburg at risk from river and rain flooding?
It is the largest share of the building damage FEMA expects here (94%), and West Leechburg’s rate for it is higher than 62% of U.S. census tracts.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in West Leechburg.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where West Leechburg’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.