Chenango County Disaster Risk
Chenango County, New York
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
72th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#30
of 62 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
86th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 86% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 26% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 46% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 39% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 66% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Chenango County, New York
Chenango's risk sits slightly above average
With a composite risk score of 72.33, Chenango County ranks slightly higher than the national baseline, putting it in the relatively low risk category. This score reflects the county's exposure to multiple hazard types, particularly flooding, which represents its most significant threat. Understanding your local risk profile is the first step toward effective disaster preparedness.
Mid-range risk within New York State
Chenango County's composite score of 72.33 places it slightly above New York's state average of 69.42, indicating moderate vulnerability compared to its neighbors statewide. The county ranks in the middle tier of New York's 62 counties for overall disaster risk. This positioning suggests targeted preparation efforts can meaningfully reduce vulnerability.
Higher risk than Cortland, lower than Delaware
Chenango's 72.33 score exceeds Cortland County's 51.24 but falls below Delaware County's 83.33, making it a moderate-risk county in the region. Compared to Clinton County (68.80) and Essex County (62.66) to the north and east, Chenango faces notably higher overall exposure. Your risk profile aligns with counties experiencing significant but manageable natural hazard exposure.
Flooding and hurricanes dominate your threats
Chenango faces its greatest danger from flooding (85.62) and hurricane-force winds (66.42), both significantly above state averages. Tornado risk (46.41) also merits attention, though it remains below the state mean. These three hazards should anchor your household preparedness planning and insurance decisions.
Prioritize flood and wind coverage now
Given Chenango's elevated flood risk, standard homeowners insurance is insufficient—separate flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program protects against your county's leading threat. Adding wind and hail coverage strengthens protection against the tornado and hurricane exposure your county faces. Start with a professional risk assessment of your property's specific location and elevation.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Chenango County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Chenango County
Risk Verdict
Chenango County ranks at the 72th percentile nationally for natural disaster risk — below the median for U.S. counties. Residents are encouraged to understand which hazards dominate locally and tailor their preparedness accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Chenango County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 86th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 66th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (46th percentile), earthquake (39th percentile), wildfire (26th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Chenango County sits at the 86th percentile nationally for flood exposure. Knowing your property's flood zone designation — available at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center — is the first step toward understanding actual exposure and insurance options. Secondary hurricane exposure at the 66th percentile adds a second preparedness layer; households should review coverage options and alert sign-up for both hazard types. Regardless of specific hazard, Chenango County households benefit from a practiced communication plan: a designated out-of-state contact and a pre-agreed evacuation destination established before the season's peak risk period.
Regional Context
The county's composite score diverges by only 2.9 points from the New York average, making Chenango County's hazard profile broadly typical for this part of the state.
Is your household prepared for Chenango County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Chenango County, NY?
What types of natural hazards affect Chenango County?
How does Chenango County risk compare to the New York average?
Is Chenango County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Chenango 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.