Genesee County Disaster Risk
Genesee County, New York
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
56th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#49
of 62 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
71th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 71% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 18% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 30% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 47% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 62% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Genesee County, New York
Genesee County shows moderate national risk
With a composite risk score of 56.11, Genesee County sits near the midpoint of American natural disaster risk, classifying as relatively low but noticeably higher than many western and mountain counties. Flooding and hurricanes drive most of this county's exposure.
Below state average but mid-tier for New York
Genesee County's 56.11 score falls well below New York's 69.42 average, placing it in the safer half of the state's 62 counties. It ranks significantly safer than southern and eastern New York communities but slightly riskier than its immediate upstate neighbors.
More vulnerable than Franklin and Fulton counties
Genesee County (56.11) exceeds both Franklin (48.85) and Fulton (48.63) in overall risk, though it remains safer than Herkimer County (60.02). The county's higher tornado risk of 29.55 compared to Franklin's 18.92 and Fulton's 40.04 reflects its position in upstate New York's storm corridor.
Flooding is the dominant hazard
Flood risk of 71.12 significantly outpaces all other threats in Genesee County, driven by proximity to Lake Ontario and the Genesee River. Hurricane risk at 62.04 ranks second, while tornado risk of 29.55 presents a moderate seasonal concern during spring and early summer.
Flood insurance is essential coverage
Genesee County's 71.12 flood risk makes flood insurance non-negotiable, particularly for properties near waterways and in designated flood zones. Standard homeowner's policies do not cover flooding, so securing separate flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program or private carriers should be your first protection step.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Genesee County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Genesee County
Risk Verdict
With a national percentile rank of 56th, Genesee County faces below-average hazard exposure relative to U.S. counties as a whole. Above-average risk does not mean imminent danger; it signals that informed, hazard-specific preparedness has high value here.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Genesee County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 71th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 62th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (47th percentile), tornado (30th percentile), wildfire (18th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With flood risk ranking at the 71th percentile nationally, Genesee County residents face one of the most financially damaging hazards without specialized coverage. Flood insurance through the NFIP or a private carrier is worth evaluating regardless of current mortgage requirements. The county's second-ranked hazard, hurricane at the 62th percentile nationally, means Genesee County residents face compounding risks from multiple natural hazard types during peak seasons. Registering for Genesee County's county emergency alert system — typically through the county emergency management office's website — ensures households receive early warning when flood events develop faster than forecast.
Regional Context
Genesee County falls 13.3 points below New York's typical county risk level, making it one of the safer natural-hazard environments in the state.
Is your household prepared for Genesee County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Genesee County, NY?
What types of natural hazards affect Genesee County?
How does Genesee County risk compare to the New York average?
Is Genesee County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Genesee 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.