About UnzipRisk
UnzipRisk is a free, open tool that helps Americans understand the historical natural disaster risk for any ZIP code in the United States. We analyze 4 million+ disaster records across 33,000+ ZIP codes into a single, easy-to-understand disaster history view.
Our Mission
Natural disaster data is publicly available but scattered across multiple federal agencies in formats that are difficult for regular people to use. UnzipRisk brings this data together into a single, searchable interface so anyone can quickly assess the disaster history of a location — whether they're buying a home, renting an apartment, or simply curious.
Data Sources
All data comes from authoritative U.S. federal agencies:
- FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) — Flood insurance claims data including claim frequency, payout amounts, and property locations. Updated annually.
- NOAA Storm Events Database — Comprehensive records of hurricanes, tornadoes, severe storms, hail, and other weather events. Includes damage estimates and fatalities dating back to 1950.
- USGS Earthquake Hazards Program — Historical earthquake catalog with magnitude, depth, and location for all recorded seismic events in the U.S.
- NIFC / USGS Wildfire Data — Historical wildfire perimeters, acres burned, and fire proximity data from the National Interagency Fire Center.
How It Works
We process raw federal data, attribute events to ZIP codes using spatial analysis, and normalize severity across hazard categories: flood, hurricane, tornado, wildfire, earthquake, and severe storm. For full details, see our Methodology page.
Disclaimer
⚠️ Important
This site presents historical data only. It does not predict future disasters, assess current risk, or replace professional guidance. Always consult qualified professionals before making decisions about property, insurance, or safety.
Historical Data, Not Predictions
UnzipRisk presents historical disaster records for informational purposes only. Past events do not predict future events. An area with few recorded disasters is not necessarily safe, and an area with many events may not experience similar events in the future.
Third-Party Government Data
All data is sourced from U.S. federal government public records — specifically NOAA, USGS, FEMA, and NIFC. We do not create, verify, or independently validate this data. We aggregate, process, and present it. Any errors or omissions in the source data will be reflected on this site. We make no guarantees regarding its accuracy, completeness, or timeliness.
Not Professional Advice
The information on this site does not constitute professional advice of any kind — including but not limited to real estate, insurance, financial, legal, or emergency preparedness advice. It is not a substitute for a professional risk assessment, property inspection, insurance evaluation, or consultation with licensed experts. You should always consult qualified professionals — including licensed insurance agents, real estate professionals, and local emergency management officials — before making decisions related to natural disaster risk.
No Warranty
UnzipRisk is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind, express or implied, including but not limited to warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement. We do not warrant that the data is accurate, complete, reliable, or current.
Limitation of Liability
UnzipRisk, its creators, and its contributors shall not be held responsible or liable for any damages, losses, costs, or decisions arising from the use of or reliance on the information provided on this site. You use this data entirely at your own risk.
For the complete legal disclaimer, please read our Disclaimer page.