Vermont natural disaster risk
Vermont ranks #1 of 51 from safest. Its biggest relative risks are landslide, winter weather, hurricane.
The vertical line marks the middle of U.S. counties (50).
Risk in Vermont's largest counties
| County | Population | Risk score | FEMA rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chittenden County | 169,758 | 63.9 | Relatively Low |
| Rutland County | 60,425 | 50.5 | Relatively Low |
| Washington County | 60,017 | 52.2 | Relatively Low |
| Windsor County | 57,990 | 61.6 | Relatively Low |
| Franklin County | 50,638 | 29.2 | Very Low |
| Windham County | 45,923 | 56.9 | Relatively Low |
| Addison County | 37,664 | 26.8 | Very Low |
| Bennington County | 37,269 | 52.3 | Relatively Low |
| Caledonia County | 30,475 | 30.2 | Very Low |
| Orange County | 29,761 | 26.4 | Very Low |
| Orleans County | 27,606 | 36.8 | Very Low |
| Lamoille County | 26,148 | 18.3 | Very Low |
| Grand Isle County | 7,450 | 1.9 | Very Low |
| Essex County | 5,982 | 3.2 | Very 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 Vermont
- Lamoille County 18.3
- Orange County 26.4
- Addison County 26.8
- Franklin County 29.2
- Caledonia County 30.2
- Orleans County 36.8
- Rutland County 50.5
- Washington County 52.2
Cities in Vermont
- Burlington, VT risk 54.2
Frequently asked questions
Is Vermont safe from natural disasters?
Vermont's population-weighted FEMA risk score is 47.8 out of 100 (about average for U.S. counties), #1 of 51 from safest. No residents live in counties FEMA rates relatively high or very high.
What natural disasters happen in Vermont?
The highest relative risks in Vermont are landslide, winter weather, hurricane (national percentile scores 80, 68, 67).
Where is the safest place to live in Vermont?
Among counties with at least 20,000 people, the lowest FEMA risk scores are in Lamoille County, Orange County, Addison County.