Out of 16 counties with PHMSA gas distribution data, these are the counties with the highest incident risk.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Counties ranked | 16 |
| Total incidents (top 100) | 113 |
| Total fatalities (top 100) | 24 |
Top 16 Counties
| Rank | County | State | Incidents | Fatalities | Latest Year | Risk Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Prince George's | Maryland | 20 | 2 | 2021 | 49/100 |
| 2 | Montgomery | Maryland | 20 | 2 | 2021 | 49/100 |
| 3 | Calvert | Maryland | 20 | 2 | 2021 | 16/100 |
| 4 | Baltimore | Maryland | 12 | 7 | 2023 | 49/100 |
| 5 | Wicomico | Maryland | 12 | 7 | 2023 | 49/100 |
| 6 | Anne Arundel | Maryland | 5 | 0 | 2023 | 40/100 |
| 7 | Allegany | Maryland | 5 | 0 | 2023 | 3/100 |
| 8 | Carroll | Maryland | 4 | 0 | 2019 | 49/100 |
| 9 | Howard | Maryland | 4 | 0 | 2019 | 2/100 |
| 10 | Harford | Maryland | 2 | 2 | 2024 | 40/100 |
| 11 | Cecil | Maryland | 2 | 2 | 2024 | 40/100 |
| 12 | Somerset | Maryland | 2 | 0 | 2007 | 1/100 |
| 13 | Worcester | Maryland | 2 | 0 | 2007 | 1/100 |
| 14 | Dorchester | Maryland | 1 | 0 | 2025 | 2/100 |
| 15 | Frederick | Maryland | 1 | 0 | 2007 | 1/100 |
| 16 | Washington | Maryland | 1 | 0 | 2009 | 0/100 |
Methodology
County rankings for Maryland based on total PHMSA gas distribution incidents reported since 2004.
Data source: U.S. DOT Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), Gas Distribution System Incident Reports 2004-2026. Last updated: 2026-06-04.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a gas distribution incident?
Gas distribution incidents involve failures in the local natural gas pipeline network — leaks, ruptures, explosions, and equipment failures that can cause property damage, injuries, and fatalities. PHMSA requires all operators to report significant incidents.
How can I protect my home?
Install CO detectors on every level (CPSC recommendation). Have gas appliances inspected annually. Know the signs of a gas leak: rotten egg smell, hissing near gas lines, dead vegetation near pipelines. If you suspect a leak, leave immediately and call 911.