Climate Risk Summary

Zip Code 08840, Risk Profile

The primary drivers of climate-related financial risk in Metuchen, NJ (08840) are Inland Flooding, Earthquake, and Strong Wind.

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

$3,418,720

Expected Annual Loss for Zip Code 08840

47.8Score

Relatively High compared to US average

08840
Minimal Estimated LossMax Estimated Loss

Earthquake

$494,721

Expected Annual Loss for Zip Code 08840

71.4Score

Relatively Low compared to US average

08840
Minimal Estimated LossMax Estimated Loss

Strong Wind

$289,773

Expected Annual Loss for Zip Code 08840

79.4Score

Relatively High compared to US average

08840
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
$3,418,720
Score: 47.8
MAJOR DRIVER
Earthquake
$494,721
Score: 71.4
MAJOR DRIVER
Strong Wind
$289,773
Score: 79.4
Hurricane
$233,978
Score: 66.2
Tornado
$206,407
Score: 40.7
Cold Wave
$195,283
Score: 41.7
Heat Wave
$151,440
Score: 38.9
Ice Storm
$75,668
Score: 76.2
Winter Weather
$43,741
Score: 76.7
Lightning
$14,744
Score: 16.9
Hail
$3,020
Score: 14.8
Landslide
$49
Score: 60.3
Wildfire
$10
Score: 5.1

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: 47.8
🏠Low Investment

Earthquake Mitigation

General property maintenance and insurance review recommended.

Risk Score: 71.4
💨Low Investment

Strong Wind Mitigation

Trim large trees back from the roofline and reinforce roof-to-wall connectors (hurricane straps).

Risk Score: 79.4

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 08820Zip Code 08837Zip Code 08817Zip Code 08863Zip Code 08830Zip Code 08832