Kings County Disaster Risk
Kings County, New York
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively High
National Percentile
99th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#1
of 62 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
99th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively High
Higher than 99% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 39% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 94% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively High
Higher than 99% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively High
Higher than 97% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Kings County, New York
Kings County faces extreme U.S. natural disaster risk
Kings County's composite risk score of 99.27 ranks among the nation's most hazardous communities, driven by near-maximum exposure across all five natural disaster categories. This Brooklyn-based urban county faces hurricane, flood, earthquake, and tornado risks that exceed virtually every American county.
New York's single highest-risk county
At 99.27, Kings County's risk score dramatically exceeds New York's 69.42 average—ranking as the state's most vulnerable community by a massive margin. The next-highest county scores roughly 40 points lower, highlighting Kings County's exceptional exposure.
Catastrophically higher risk than any peer
Kings County (99.27) bears no comparison to any neighboring county in New York's risk profile—it stands alone in extreme exposure. All other New York counties measured in this analysis score below 70, making Kings County an outlier facing hazards that dwarf those experienced by residents anywhere else in the state.
All five disaster types pose severe threats
Flood risk of 99.36 and hurricane risk of 97.41 dominate, reflecting Kings County's coastal position and sea-level vulnerability to Atlantic storms and rising waters. Tornado risk of 94.18 and earthquake risk of 98.63 rank only marginally lower, creating a multi-hazard environment where residents face concurrent threats year-round.
Comprehensive insurance is non-negotiable
Kings County residents must obtain flood insurance immediately—the 99.36 risk score makes this essential, not optional, for any property within city limits. Add earthquake coverage, verify wind/hurricane protection, and consider comprehensive umbrella liability insurance given the 99.27 composite score reflecting extreme, pervasive natural disaster exposure.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Kings County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Kings County
Risk Verdict
Kings County's composite risk score ranks at the 99th percentile nationally, reflecting genuine multi-hazard exposure for residents. At this risk level, having a documented household preparedness plan — not just awareness — is the meaningful next step for Kings County residents.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Kings County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 99th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 99th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (97th percentile), tornado (94th percentile), wildfire (39th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 99th percentile nationally for flood risk, Kings County residents benefit from understanding their specific flood zone status. Even one inch of floodwater causes significant structural damage to properties outside officially designated high-risk zones. Secondary earthquake exposure at the 99th percentile adds a second preparedness layer; households should review coverage options and alert sign-up for both hazard types. A tested family preparedness plan specific to Kings County's primary hazards — including how to shelter in place or evacuate, and who to call — provides more real protection than a general emergency kit sitting unused on a shelf.
Regional Context
The New York county average is 29.8 composite points below Kings County's score, a gap that reflects the county's elevated position in the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for Kings County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Kings County, NY?
What types of natural hazards affect Kings County?
How does Kings County risk compare to the New York average?
Is Kings County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Kings County higher risk than average?
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.