Jefferson County Disaster Risk
Jefferson County, New York
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
64th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#38
of 62 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
78th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 78% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 28% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 28% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 71% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 53% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Jefferson County, New York
Jefferson County carries above-average U.S. risk
Jefferson County's composite risk score of 63.96 exceeds the typical American county, positioning residents well above median natural disaster exposure. The county's Lake Ontario shoreline and inland water systems create elevated flood and hurricane risks compared to inland communities.
Below state average but substantially vulnerable
At 63.96, Jefferson County scores about 8% below New York's 69.42 average, placing it in the state's safer-than-average but still notably exposed category. It ranks in the upper-middle tier of New York risk, with roughly one-third of the state's counties carrying lower risk.
Riskier than Franklin and Fulton, safer than Greene
Jefferson County (63.96) significantly exceeds both Franklin (48.85) and Fulton (48.63), falling between Genesee (56.11) and Greene (68.29). Its Lake Ontario exposure and proximity to storm tracks make it notably more vulnerable than purely inland Adirondack counties but less exposed than Hudson Valley communities.
Flooding and earthquakes lead the threats
Flood risk of 77.96 ranks highest, driven by Lake Ontario shoreline exposure and significant river systems crossing the county. Earthquake risk of 71.47 surprises many residents but reflects the county's location near regional seismic activity, while hurricane risk of 53.19 presents seasonal concerns.
Add flood and earthquake coverage now
Jefferson County residents must prioritize flood insurance given the 77.96 risk score, especially those within one mile of Lake Ontario or along major tributaries. Equally important: secure earthquake insurance, as the 71.47 risk score ranks among the state's highest and is often excluded from standard homeowner policies.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Jefferson County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Jefferson County
Risk Verdict
Jefferson County ranks at the 64th percentile nationally for natural disaster risk — below the median for U.S. counties. Residents are encouraged to understand which hazards dominate locally and tailor their preparedness accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Jefferson County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 78th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 71th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (53th percentile), wildfire (28th percentile), tornado (28th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Jefferson County sits at the 78th percentile nationally for flood exposure. Knowing your property's flood zone designation — available at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center — is the first step toward understanding actual exposure and insurance options. Alongside flooding, earthquake exposure at the 71th percentile means households benefit from a multi-hazard preparedness plan rather than focusing on flood alone. Regardless of specific hazard, Jefferson County households benefit from a practiced communication plan: a designated out-of-state contact and a pre-agreed evacuation destination established before the season's peak risk period.
Regional Context
A composite score 5.5 points below the New York state average puts Jefferson County in a better-than-typical position relative to neighboring counties.
Is your household prepared for Jefferson County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Jefferson County, NY?
What types of natural hazards affect Jefferson County?
How does Jefferson County risk compare to the New York average?
Is Jefferson County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Jefferson 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.