Franklin Town, Massachusetts: natural disaster risk
How exposed Franklin Town is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Norfolk County.
Franklin Town is a city of 33,154 people in Norfolk County, Massachusetts. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Norfolk County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, hurricane and earthquake, with about $147 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 566 storm reports in the county since 1953, including 15 tornadoes and 137 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 11 hurricanes and 20 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center, 2 of them major. About 1.5% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Norfolk County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Franklin Town
Full Norfolk County report ›- Check the FEMA flood map for your address, and ask the seller or landlord about past flooding.
- Price a flood policy now. Most new federal policies take 30 days to start.
- Know your evacuation zone and route before June 1.
- Ask about roof age, shutters and the separate wind or hurricane deductible on your home policy.
- Ask whether an older house is bolted to its foundation.
- Consider separate earthquake insurance where risk is high.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $103M | |
| Hurricane | $16M | |
| Earthquake | $9M | |
| Coastal flooding | $5M | |
| Heat wave | $4M | |
| Cold wave | $3M | |
| Tornado | $3M | |
| Lightning | $1M | |
| Ice storm | $1M | |
| Strong wind | $1M | |
| Drought | $98K | |
| Winter weather | $81K |
Homes in Franklin Town
Older homes and mobile homes usually take more damage in storms, floods and earthquakes. Ask about roof age, flood history and retrofits before you buy or rent.
Strongest tornadoes in Norfolk County
More cities in Norfolk County
Other cities in Massachusetts
All ›Common questions about Franklin Town
Is Franklin Town safe from natural disasters?
Franklin Town is in Norfolk County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, hurricane, earthquake. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Franklin Town?
By expected yearly losses in Norfolk County, the top hazards are inland flooding (High), hurricane (Moderate), earthquake (Moderate). Norfolk County has been part of 33 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Franklin Town get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 15 tornadoes in Norfolk County since 1950; the strongest was an F3 tornado on June 9, 1953. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Franklin Town?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Norfolk County, about 1.5% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk high. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.