Delaware County Disaster Risk
Delaware County, New York
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
83th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#21
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
Very Low
Higher than 19% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 56% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 50% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 77% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Delaware County, New York
Delaware County faces moderate disaster risk
Delaware County's composite risk score of 83.33 places it well above the national average, earning a relatively moderate risk rating. The county's exposure is driven primarily by significant flood danger (91.19) and hurricane vulnerability (76.85). This above-average positioning requires thoughtful, multi-hazard disaster preparedness.
Higher risk than most New York counties
At 83.33, Delaware County scores substantially above New York's state average of 69.42, placing it among the state's higher-risk counties. This elevated standing compared to statewide patterns reflects Delaware's geographic exposure to multiple significant hazard types. The county's risk profile demands serious attention to insurance and emergency planning.
Second-highest risk in this regional group
Delaware's 83.33 score ranks second only to Dutchess County (88.26) and Erie County (97.68) in this comparison group, substantially exceeding safer counties like Cortland (51.24) and Clinton (68.80). This elevated exposure relative to immediate neighbors reflects Delaware's particular geographic vulnerability. Your county faces more complex and serious disaster risks than most surrounding areas.
Flooding dominates Delaware's hazard profile
Delaware County faces exceptional flood risk (91.19), among the highest in the nation, making this hazard your paramount concern. Hurricane exposure (76.85) and tornado risk (55.60) add significant secondary threats. These three hazards account for the majority of Delaware's elevated composite risk.
Flood insurance is absolutely critical
Your county's extraordinary flood risk (91.19) makes flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program non-negotiable, regardless of property elevation or mortgage lender requirements. Supplemental wind and hail coverage protects against hurricane and tornado exposure (76.85 and 55.60). Professional flood risk assessment specific to your property location is essential before purchasing or selling.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Delaware County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Delaware County
Risk Verdict
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Delaware County at the 83th percentile nationally — above average and worth proactive preparation. Residents should prioritize a formal household emergency plan, including evacuation routes, insurance review, and a well-stocked emergency kit.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Delaware County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 91th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 77th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (56th percentile), earthquake (50th percentile), wildfire (19th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Flood risk is Delaware County's top hazard at the 91th 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. The county's second-ranked hazard, hurricane at the 77th percentile nationally, means Delaware County residents face compounding risks from multiple natural hazard types during peak seasons. Households across Delaware 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
Delaware County is 13.9 composite risk points above the New York average, indicating that residents face greater natural hazard exposure than most of their in-state neighbors.
Is your household prepared for Delaware County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Delaware County, NY?
What types of natural hazards affect Delaware County?
How does Delaware County risk compare to the New York average?
Is Delaware County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Delaware 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.