Hamilton County Disaster Risk
Hamilton County, New York
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
15th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#62
of 62 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
42th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 42% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 3% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 11% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 48% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 47% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Hamilton County, New York
Hamilton County is America's safest region
Hamilton County's composite risk score of 15.11 ranks among the lowest in the entire United States, offering residents exceptional protection from natural disasters. This remote, sparsely populated Adirondack county benefits from its northern location and elevation, minimizing exposure to hurricanes, tornadoes, and wildfires.
New York's single safest county
At 15.11, Hamilton County scores less than one-quarter of New York's 69.42 average, making it the state's most resilient community by far. No other New York county approaches this level of natural disaster safety.
Dramatically safer than all surrounding counties
Hamilton County (15.11) vastly outperforms every neighboring upstate county: Franklin (48.85), Fulton (48.63), Herkimer (60.02), and Jefferson (63.96) all carry substantially higher risk. The gap reflects Hamilton's remote Adirondack location and minimal population density.
Earthquake and flood risks are minimal
Even Hamilton County's highest risk—earthquake at 47.68—remains well below national and state averages, reflecting the county's distance from major seismic zones. Wildfire risk of just 3.12 is negligible, and tornado risk of 11.23 presents virtually no seasonal concern.
Standard coverage meets local needs
Hamilton County residents benefit from minimal insurance complexity: standard homeowner's insurance with basic flood coverage typically provides adequate protection. While earthquake insurance remains available, the county's 47.68 risk score suggests it is a lower priority compared to counties elsewhere in New York and the nation.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Hamilton County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Hamilton County
Risk Verdict
Hamilton County carries a low natural disaster risk burden, scoring at the 15th percentile under the FEMA National Risk Index. Hamilton County residents can take confidence from a 15th percentile ranking, but even lower-risk counties benefit from a practiced household communication plan and awareness of the specific hazards listed above.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Hamilton County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 48th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 47th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (42th percentile), tornado (11th percentile), wildfire (3th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Hamilton County's primary hazard, earthquake, ranks at the 48th percentile nationally. Unreinforced masonry structures carry the highest injury risk during seismic events; residents in older buildings should check with their municipality about available seismic retrofit programs. Hurricane at the 47th percentile nationally is a separate hazard dimension for Hamilton County that requires different protective strategies from earthquake preparedness. After a major earthquake, Hamilton County residents should expect water service disruption for 24 to 72 or more hours. Storing a minimum of one gallon per person per day for three days — before any event — is the most direct preparedness action households can take.
Regional Context
Compared to the New York county average, Hamilton County's composite score runs 54.3 points lower — a gap that reflects the county's relatively modest hazard profile within its state context.
Is your household prepared for Hamilton County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Hamilton County, NY?
What types of natural hazards affect Hamilton County?
How does Hamilton County risk compare to the New York average?
Is Hamilton County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Hamilton 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.