Cayuga County Disaster Risk
Cayuga County, New York
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
62th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#42
of 62 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
78th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 78% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 32% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 39% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 48% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 65% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Cayuga County, New York
Cayuga ranks among safer counties
With a composite risk score of 61.51 and a relatively low rating, Cayuga County sits below the national average and represents one of New York's safer regions. This lower exposure allows you to focus insurance dollars more strategically.
Below average risk for New York
Cayuga's 61.51 score sits well below New York's 69.42 state average, making it one of the state's least exposed counties. It ranks among the safest in the Finger Lakes and central regions.
Safer than most surrounding counties
Cayuga County's 61.51 score is notably lower than Albany (85.88), Broome (87.47), Chautauqua (84.64), and Cattaraugus (81.58). Only Chemung County (54.77) nearby presents comparable or lower risk.
Floods pose the main hazard
Flood risk at 78.09 is your primary concern, though tornado risk (39.19) and earthquake risk (47.74) remain well below state averages. Cayuga's position near Cayuga Lake creates localized flood exposure that deserves attention during wet seasons.
Flood insurance remains wise coverage
Despite lower overall risk, flood insurance is prudent given the 78.09 flood score—standard homeowners policies exclude flood damage. Your baseline homeowners or renters policy should adequately cover tornado and wind; focus supplemental spending on flood protection.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Cayuga County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Cayuga County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard pressure in Cayuga County is below the national midpoint, with a composite score at the 62th percentile. Proactive emergency planning and awareness of the specific hazards driving Cayuga County's score can meaningfully reduce household risk.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Cayuga County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 78th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 65th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (48th percentile), tornado (39th percentile), wildfire (32th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Flood risk is Cayuga County's top hazard at the 78th percentile nationally. Households in or near designated flood zones face elevated financial exposure; flood insurance typically requires a 30-day waiting period before it takes effect, so applying before the season is advisable. Secondary hurricane exposure at the 65th percentile adds a second preparedness layer; households should review coverage options and alert sign-up for both hazard types. Households across Cayuga County should identify the nearest community shelter and keep a basic emergency kit — water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlight, and battery radio — in a location easy to grab quickly.
Regional Context
Cayuga County's composite risk score sits 7.9 points below the New York county average, reflecting a more favorable hazard environment than the state typical.
Is your household prepared for Cayuga County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Cayuga County, NY?
What types of natural hazards affect Cayuga County?
How does Cayuga County risk compare to the New York average?
Is Cayuga County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Cayuga County a safe place to live?
Data Source
Risk data sourced from the FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Risk scores are relative rankings (0–100) across all US counties — not absolute risk measures. Higher scores indicate higher relative risk compared to other counties.
Disclaimer: This data is informational only. It is not financial, insurance, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making insurance or real estate decisions.