Franklin County Disaster Risk
Franklin County, New York
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
49th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#52
of 62 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
67th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 67% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 17% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 19% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 79% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 58% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Franklin County, New York
Franklin County's risk sits well below the nation
With a composite risk score of 48.85, Franklin County ranks as relatively low risk—significantly safer than the typical U.S. county. This score reflects moderate exposure to specific hazards like earthquakes and hurricanes, but substantially lower tornado and wildfire threats than many American communities.
Among New York's safer upstate counties
Franklin County's 48.85 score places it well below New York's state average of 69.42, ranking it among the lower-risk counties in the state. Only a handful of New York counties present fewer natural disaster risks than Franklin County does.
Safer than most surrounding counties
Franklin County outperforms its regional peers: it scores lower than Hamilton County's 15.11 (the state's safest), but significantly better than Fulton County (48.63) and Genesee County (56.11). The county's earthquake risk of 79.20 is notably higher than neighbors, reflecting its location near seismic zones.
Watch for earthquakes and hurricanes
Earthquake risk dominates Franklin County's hazard profile at 79.20, while hurricane risk ranks second at 57.74—both reflecting the county's northern location and geological setting. Flooding poses moderate concern at 67.14, particularly during spring snowmelt and heavy rain events, though tornado risk remains quite low at 18.92.
Secure earthquake and flood coverage now
Franklin County residents should prioritize earthquake insurance given the county's 79.20 risk score—a protection most standard homeowner policies exclude. Adding flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program is equally critical, especially for properties in flood-prone areas, since 67.14% exposure suggests significant seasonal vulnerability.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Franklin County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Franklin County
Risk Verdict
Franklin County's FEMA risk score places it at the 49th percentile nationally, indicating lower-than-typical exposure for a U.S. county. Even at the 49th percentile, Franklin County's composite score reflects real hazard exposure categories — knowing which ones apply locally enables targeted, efficient household preparedness.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Franklin County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 79th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 67th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (58th percentile), tornado (19th percentile), wildfire (17th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With earthquake ranked as the top hazard at the 79th percentile nationally, Franklin County residents benefit from reviewing homeowners insurance: standard policies rarely cover earthquake damage, and separate earthquake insurance must be purchased before an event. Alongside earthquake exposure, Franklin County's flood risk at the 67th percentile nationally reinforces the value of maintaining a household emergency supply cache usable for multiple hazard scenarios. Earthquake insurance in Franklin County is typically offered as a separate policy — standard homeowners coverage excludes ground movement. Reviewing this gap and comparing policy options before an event is a financial preparedness step with potentially large consequences.
Regional Context
At 20.6 points below the New York state average, Franklin County is among the lower-risk counties in the state for natural disaster exposure.
Is your household prepared for Franklin County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Franklin County, NY?
What types of natural hazards affect Franklin County?
How does Franklin County risk compare to the New York average?
Is Franklin County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Franklin 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.