Herkimer County Disaster Risk
Herkimer County, New York
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
60th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#43
of 62 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
79th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 79% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 26% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 39% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 51% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 62% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Herkimer County, New York
Herkimer County faces above-moderate U.S. risk
Herkimer County's composite risk score of 60.02 places it above the typical American county, driven by significant flood, hurricane, and tornado exposure. The county's Mohawk Valley location and elevation make it vulnerable to multiple seasonal weather hazards.
Below New York average but upper-middle tier
At 60.02, Herkimer County scores about 14% below New York's 69.42 average, ranking it in the safer-than-average but still vulnerable category statewide. Approximately half of New York's counties carry lower risk, while the other half face greater exposure.
Riskier than upstate neighbors, safer than southeast
Herkimer County (60.02) substantially exceeds Franklin (48.85), Fulton (48.63), and Hamilton (15.11), but falls below Greene County (68.29). This positions Herkimer in the middle of the region, sharing characteristics with both safer Adirondack counties and riskier Hudson Valley communities.
Flooding threatens more than other hazards
Flood risk of 78.53 stands as Herkimer County's dominant natural disaster threat, reflecting Mohawk River and tributary exposure during spring and heavy rain events. Tornado risk of 38.65 and hurricane risk of 62.45 rank second and third, both requiring seasonal vigilance.
Flood insurance and storm prep are essential
Herkimer County residents in or near floodplains must obtain flood insurance—the 78.53 risk score makes this non-negotiable. Additionally, prepare for spring tornadoes and late-summer hurricanes by maintaining an emergency supply kit and ensuring your homeowner's policy covers wind damage.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Herkimer County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Herkimer County
Risk Verdict
Herkimer County has a below-average natural disaster risk profile, scoring at the 60th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Households in Herkimer County benefit from knowing which individual hazard types — flood, wildfire, tornado, or hurricane — are the primary contributors.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Herkimer County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 79th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 62th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (51th percentile), tornado (39th percentile), wildfire (26th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Herkimer County's top natural hazard is flood risk, ranked at the 79th percentile nationally. Homeowners here should confirm whether they are in a FEMA-designated flood zone and check if standard homeowners insurance covers flood damage — it typically does not. The county's second-ranked hazard, hurricane at the 62th percentile nationally, means Herkimer County residents face compounding risks from multiple natural hazard types during peak seasons. For most Herkimer County households, the highest-return preparedness step is storing critical documents in digital cloud backup combined with a pre-designated family meeting point if communication is disrupted.
Regional Context
The New York county average exceeds Herkimer County's score by 9.4 composite points — placing this county in the lower-risk tier relative to its in-state peers.
Is your household prepared for Herkimer County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Herkimer County, NY?
What types of natural hazards affect Herkimer County?
How does Herkimer County risk compare to the New York average?
Is Herkimer County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Herkimer 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.