Fulton County Disaster Risk
Fulton County, New York
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
49th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#53
of 62 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
66th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 66% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 27% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 40% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 58% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 64% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Fulton County, New York
Fulton County presents below-average U.S. risk
Fulton County's composite risk score of 48.63 places it in the relatively low category nationally, meaning residents face fewer natural disaster threats than typical American communities. The county's risk profile is balanced across multiple hazard types rather than concentrated in any single area.
Below New York's average but mid-range upstate
At 48.63, Fulton County scores about 30% lower than New York's 69.42 average, positioning it as one of the state's safer counties. Only Hamilton County and Franklin County register lower risk in the immediate region.
Slightly riskier than Franklin but safer than Herkimer
Fulton County (48.63) edges out Franklin County (48.85) by a minimal margin, making them roughly equivalent in overall risk. However, both substantially outperform Herkimer County (60.02) and Greene County (68.29), which face considerably higher flooding and tornado threats.
Flooding and hurricanes top the list
Flood risk leads at 66.38, followed by hurricane risk at 64.50—two hazards that often strike together in late summer and fall. Tornado risk of 40.04 also demands attention, placing Fulton County above the national average for this threat, though wildfire remains minimal at 27.42.
Get flood insurance and hurricane prep supplies
Flood insurance should be a priority for Fulton County homeowners, especially those within the 100-year floodplain, given the county's 66.38 risk score. Equally important: secure your home against high winds, maintain emergency supplies, and review your homeowner's policy to ensure hurricane damage is covered.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Fulton County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Fulton County
Risk Verdict
Fulton County sits below the national average for natural disaster exposure, ranking at the 49th percentile across all U.S. counties. A preparedness foundation — alert registration, household communication plan, and a basic supply review — costs little and remains valuable even at Fulton County's favorable 49th percentile ranking.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Fulton County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 66th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 64th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (58th percentile), tornado (40th percentile), wildfire (27th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With flood ranked as the primary hazard at the 66th percentile nationally, Fulton County households should build a go-bag that includes important documents, medications, and supplies to sustain the family for at least three days if evacuation is needed. Secondary hurricane exposure at the 64th percentile adds a second preparedness layer; households should review coverage options and alert sign-up for both hazard types. A waterproof container for documents (insurance policies, ID, prescriptions) and a clear household communication plan for when phone networks are congested are the two highest-value low-cost preparedness steps for Fulton County households.
Regional Context
Fulton County is 20.8 composite risk points below the New York state mean, meaning most other New York counties face higher natural hazard exposure.
Is your household prepared for Fulton County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Fulton County, NY?
What types of natural hazards affect Fulton County?
How does Fulton County risk compare to the New York average?
Is Fulton County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Fulton 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.