Chautauqua County Disaster Risk
Chautauqua County, New York
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
85th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#19
of 62 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
91th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 91% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 43% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 76% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 43% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 69% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Chautauqua County, New York
Chautauqua faces moderate-to-high risk
With a composite risk score of 84.64 and a relatively moderate rating, Chautauqua County ranks above the national average in disaster exposure. Its waterfront position and regional hazard convergence create compounded vulnerability.
Well above state average for risk
Chautauqua's 84.64 score significantly exceeds New York's 69.42 state average, placing it among the higher-risk counties statewide. Only a few counties face comparable or greater exposure.
Riskier than western region peers
Chautauqua County's 84.64 score exceeds Allegany County (69.75) to the south and Cattaraugus County (81.58) to the east, though it sits slightly below Broome County (87.47) far to the east. Its Lake Erie shoreline and western New York location drive elevated risk.
Floods and tornadoes lead threats
Flood risk reaches 91.28—among the state's highest—while tornado risk stands at 76.14, and wildfire risk at 43.13 exceeds most county neighbors. Chautauqua's position along Lake Erie and in a storm corridor amplifies both water and wind hazards.
Prioritize flood and wind coverage
Flood insurance is essential at 91.28 risk; verify coverage even if you believe you're outside floodplain zones. Ensure your homeowners policy explicitly covers wind and tornado damage, and keep your home's roof and structure in good repair to withstand high winds.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Chautauqua County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Chautauqua County
Risk Verdict
Chautauqua County registers a moderately elevated natural disaster risk, ranking at the 85th percentile across all U.S. counties. High composite risk signals that multiple hazard types are elevated simultaneously; planning for more than one scenario is important in Chautauqua County.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Chautauqua County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 91th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 76th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (69th percentile), earthquake (43th percentile), wildfire (43th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Chautauqua County's dominant hazard is flooding, ranked at the 91th percentile nationally. In addition to flood insurance, residents should identify their nearest evacuation shelter and store key documents in waterproof containers. The county's second-ranked hazard, tornado at the 76th percentile nationally, means Chautauqua County residents face compounding risks from multiple natural hazard types during peak seasons. Chautauqua County's county emergency management office publishes hazard-specific guidance tailored to local conditions; bookmarking that resource and the county's alert system is a practical first step for any household.
Regional Context
Chautauqua County falls 15.2 points above New York's typical county risk level, which means the hazard environment here is notably more demanding than the state baseline.
Is your household prepared for Chautauqua County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Chautauqua County, NY?
What types of natural hazards affect Chautauqua County?
How does Chautauqua County risk compare to the New York average?
Is Chautauqua County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Chautauqua County higher risk than average?
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.