New York natural disaster risk
New York ranks #40 of 51 from safest. Its biggest relative risks are riverine flooding, winter weather, strong wind.
The vertical line marks the middle of U.S. counties (50).
Risk in New York's largest counties
| County | Population | Risk score | FEMA rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kings County | 2,631,580 | 99.3 | Relatively High |
| Queens County | 2,323,052 | 99.2 | Relatively High |
| New York County | 1,629,477 | 98.8 | Relatively High |
| Suffolk County | 1,530,146 | 97.3 | Relatively High |
| Bronx County | 1,404,779 | 98.3 | Relatively High |
| Nassau County | 1,389,591 | 97.1 | Relatively High |
| Westchester County | 999,677 | 96.2 | Relatively High |
| Erie County | 950,622 | 97.7 | Relatively High |
| Monroe County | 753,753 | 93.8 | Relatively Moderate |
| Richmond County | 494,956 | 91.0 | Relatively Moderate |
| Onondaga County | 471,129 | 91.3 | Relatively Moderate |
| Orange County | 406,616 | 90.6 | Relatively Moderate |
| Rockland County | 341,883 | 88.4 | Relatively Moderate |
| Albany County | 317,018 | 85.9 | Relatively Moderate |
| Dutchess County | 298,220 | 88.3 | Relatively Moderate |
| Saratoga County | 238,284 | 73.0 | Relatively Low |
| Oneida County | 229,124 | 86.3 | Relatively Moderate |
| Niagara County | 210,721 | 83.4 | Relatively Moderate |
| Broome County | 197,378 | 87.5 | Relatively Moderate |
| Ulster County | 182,601 | 87.7 | Relatively Moderate |
| Schenectady County | 160,369 | 71.3 | Relatively Low |
| Rensselaer County | 160,332 | 82.2 | Relatively Moderate |
| Chautauqua County | 125,544 | 84.6 | Relatively Moderate |
| Oswego County | 117,953 | 67.6 | Relatively Low |
| Jefferson County | 115,040 | 64.0 | Relatively Low |
County scores are averages, and the insurance figure above is what owners with a mortgage reported paying in 2024 (Census American Community Survey); premiums have risen since, especially in high-risk areas. For a specific home, check the address on FEMA's flood map and get insurance quotes before you commit. Our guide explains how to check natural disaster risk before you move.
Lowest-risk counties in New York
- Orleans County 17.9
- Lewis County 24.7
- Putnam County 39.8
- Wyoming County 41.3
- Schoharie County 41.3
- Seneca County 41.8
- Yates County 46.6
- Fulton County 48.6
Cities in New York
- New York, NY risk 96.8
- Buffalo, NY risk 95.1
- Rochester, NY risk 82.3
- Albany, NY risk 77.8
- Poughkeepsie, NY risk 89.6
- Syracuse, NY risk 83.8
Frequently asked questions
Is New York safe from natural disasters?
New York's population-weighted FEMA risk score is 91.5 out of 100 (among the highest of U.S. counties), #40 of 51 from safest. About 65% of residents live in counties FEMA rates relatively high or very high.
What natural disasters happen in New York?
The highest relative risks in New York are riverine flooding, winter weather, strong wind (national percentile scores 95, 90, 89).
Where is the safest place to live in New York?
Among counties with at least 20,000 people, the lowest FEMA risk scores are in Orleans County, Lewis County, Putnam County.