Greene County Disaster Risk
Greene County, New York
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
68th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#35
of 62 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
82th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 82% 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 55% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 55% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Moderate
Higher than 81% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Greene County, New York
Greene County faces above-average U.S. risk
Greene County's composite risk score of 68.29 places it just below New York's state average and above typical American counties, particularly due to significant flood and hurricane exposure. The county's risk profile clusters heavily in weather-related hazards rather than seismic or wildfire events.
Slightly below New York average, still mid-risk
At 68.29, Greene County scores nearly equal to New York's 69.42 average, making it one of the state's middle-tier risk communities. It ranks considerably riskier than upstate counties like Hamilton and Franklin, but safer than Kings County's extreme exposure.
One of the riskier Hudson Valley counties
Greene County (68.29) ranks among the higher-risk communities in its region, exceeding upstate peers like Herkimer (60.02) and Jefferson (63.96). Its proximity to the Hudson River and Atlantic storm systems drives elevated flood and hurricane risks compared to inland upstate neighbors.
Hurricanes and flooding are severe threats
Hurricane risk dominates at 81.44, with flood risk nearly matching at 81.77—making Greene County acutely vulnerable to coastal storm impacts driven up the Hudson Valley. Tornado risk of 54.52 ranks substantially higher than upstate neighbors, reflecting the county's exposure to Atlantic weather systems.
Hurricane and flood insurance are critical
Greene County residents must obtain flood insurance immediately, given the 81.77 risk score and river flood history. Additionally, ensure your homeowner's policy includes hurricane coverage or add a separate windstorm rider, since the 81.44 hurricane risk score demands robust protection against severe storm damage.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Greene County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Greene County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard pressure in Greene County is below the national midpoint, with a composite score at the 68th percentile. Proactive emergency planning and awareness of the specific hazards driving Greene County's score can meaningfully reduce household risk.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Greene County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 82th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 81th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (55th percentile), tornado (55th percentile), wildfire (19th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Flood risk is Greene County's top hazard at the 82th 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. Alongside flooding, hurricane exposure at the 81th percentile means households benefit from a multi-hazard preparedness plan rather than focusing on flood alone. Households across Greene 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
Greene County's risk score is broadly comparable to the New York county average, with a 1.1-point gap that places the county near the center of the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for Greene County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Greene County, NY?
What types of natural hazards affect Greene County?
How does Greene County risk compare to the New York average?
Is Greene County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Greene 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.