Climate Risk Summary

Zip Code 21704, Risk Profile

The primary drivers of climate-related financial risk in Urbana, MD (21704) are Inland Flooding, Tornado, 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

$1,824,649

Expected Annual Loss for Zip Code 21704

19.5Score

Relatively Low compared to US average

21704
Minimal Estimated LossMax Estimated Loss

Tornado

$309,209

Expected Annual Loss for Zip Code 21704

45.2Score

Relatively Moderate compared to US average

21704
Minimal Estimated LossMax Estimated Loss

Heat Wave

$235,319

Expected Annual Loss for Zip Code 21704

49.3Score

Relatively Moderate compared to US average

21704
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
$1,824,649
Score: 19.5
MAJOR DRIVER
Tornado
$309,209
Score: 45.2
MAJOR DRIVER
Heat Wave
$235,319
Score: 49.3
Hurricane
$219,169
Score: 63.1
Strong Wind
$162,375
Score: 62.0
Earthquake
$146,918
Score: 40.8
Hail
$100,857
Score: 63.3
Lightning
$94,431
Score: 58.6
Winter Weather
$49,947
Score: 76.7
Cold Wave
$46,903
Score: 22.7
Drought
$24,819
Score: 67.6
Ice Storm
$12,789
Score: 27.7
Wildfire
$480
Score: 37.0
Landslide
$379
Score: 64.4

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: 19.5
🌪️High Investment

Tornado Mitigation

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

Risk Score: 45.2
☀️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 21754Zip Code 21710Zip Code 21703Zip Code 21701Zip Code 20842Zip Code 21770