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Trenton, New Jersey: natural disaster risk

How exposed Trenton is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Mercer County.

Relatively High overall risk
90,338people
Inland floodingtop hazard
25federal declarations, Mercer County
18tornadoes in the county since 1950
4hurricanes within 65 miles since 1861
Photo: Kenneth C. Zirkel, CC BY 4.0

Trenton is a city of 90,338 people in Mercer County, New Jersey. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Mercer County relatively high for natural hazards overall, higher than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, hurricane and strong wind, with about $176 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 550 storm reports in the county since 1955, including 18 tornadoes and 108 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 4 hurricanes and 20 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 1.2% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.

Risk figures are for Mercer County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.

Top risks in Trenton

Full Mercer County report ›
$114 million a year in the county
  • 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.
$18.1 million a year in the county
  • 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.

Strong wind

Very High
$12.7 million a year in the county
  • Secure outdoor furniture and trash bins before storms.
  • Have trees near the house checked.

All hazards

HazardRatingA year
Inland floodingHigh$114M
HurricaneHigh$18M
Strong windVery High$13M
EarthquakeModerate$11M
Heat waveModerate$7M
Cold waveModerate$5M
TornadoModerate$4M
Ice stormVery High$2M
LightningHigh$1M
Winter weatherVery High$1M
Coastal floodingLow$329K
DroughtLow$305K

Homes in Trenton

Median home value$160,700
Mercer County median$377,700
Median year built1953
Built before 198079%
Mobile homes0.2%

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 Mercer County

1988F2
1958F2
1962F21 hurt

Common questions about Trenton

Is Trenton safe from natural disasters?

Trenton is in Mercer County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively high overall, higher than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, hurricane, strong wind. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.

What natural disasters happen in Trenton?

By expected yearly losses in Mercer County, the top hazards are inland flooding (High), hurricane (High), strong wind (Very High). Mercer County has been part of 25 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.

Does Trenton get tornadoes?

Yes. NOAA records list 18 tornadoes in Mercer County since 1950; the strongest was an F2 tornado on August 17, 1988. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.

Do I need flood insurance in Trenton?

Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Mercer County, about 1.2% 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.