Climate Risk Summary

Zip Code 20815, Risk Profile

The primary drivers of climate-related financial risk in Bethesda, MD (20815) are Inland Flooding, Hurricane, and Heat Wave.

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

$2,697,123

Expected Annual Loss for Zip Code 20815

21.8Score

Relatively Moderate compared to US average

20815
Minimal Estimated LossMax Estimated Loss

Hurricane

$428,522

Expected Annual Loss for Zip Code 20815

67.3Score

Relatively Low compared to US average

20815
Minimal Estimated LossMax Estimated Loss

Heat Wave

$340,312

Expected Annual Loss for Zip Code 20815

49.3Score

Relatively Moderate compared to US average

20815
Minimal Estimated LossMax Estimated Loss

Zip Code Risk Map

Legend
Very Low
Low
Moderate
High
Very High
Extreme

Financial Risk Inventory

MAJOR DRIVER
Inland Flooding
$2,697,123
Score: 21.8
MAJOR DRIVER
Hurricane
$428,522
Score: 67.3
MAJOR DRIVER
Heat Wave
$340,312
Score: 49.3
Earthquake
$273,086
Score: 48.0
Cold Wave
$195,074
Score: 33.8
Tornado
$144,272
Score: 28.6
Strong Wind
$139,675
Score: 48.1
Hail
$113,854
Score: 59.9
Winter Weather
$71,853
Score: 76.1
Lightning
$49,538
Score: 31.2
Ice Storm
$8,643
Score: 13.7
Wildfire
$190
Score: 20.9
Landslide
$62
Score: 50.3

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: 21.8
🌀High Investment

Hurricane Mitigation

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

Risk Score: 67.3
☀️Low Investment

Heat Wave Mitigation

Ensure attic insulation is R-49+ and consider a dual-fuel backup generator for AC.

Risk Score: 49.3

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 20814Zip Code 20015Zip Code 20889Zip Code 20910Zip Code 20894Zip Code 20895