Madison County Disaster Risk
Madison County, New York
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
59th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#45
of 62 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
77th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 77% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 20% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 42% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 47% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 60% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Madison County, New York
Madison County risk aligns with U.S. patterns
Madison County's composite risk score of 59.38 places it slightly below the national average, with a Relatively Low rating. The county mirrors broader U.S. vulnerability patterns, though targeted hazards vary by region.
Below-average disaster risk for New York State
At 59.38, Madison County scores 10 points below New York's state average of 69.42, positioning it in the safer third of counties. Still, it faces more exposure than its northern neighbors Lewis and Livingston.
Middle ground between safest and highest-risk upstate
Madison County (59.38) falls between safer Livingston (56.36) and riskier Montgomery County (65.17), while far below higher-exposure regions like Monroe County (93.77). Its position reflects a transitional geography with meaningful—but moderate—hazard exposure.
Flooding creates the county's largest vulnerability
Flood risk (77.07) dwarfs all other hazards in Madison County, reflecting the region's waterways and spring snowmelt patterns. Tornadoes (41.86), hurricanes (59.57), and earthquakes (47.36) pose secondary threats, while wildfires (20.07) remain relatively low.
Flood insurance is non-negotiable in Madison County
Madison County's elevated flood risk demands a separate flood insurance policy—standard homeowners policies will not cover flood loss. Review your coverage annually, especially if your home sits in a designated flood zone or near tributaries.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Madison County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Madison County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard pressure in Madison County is below the national midpoint, with a composite score at the 59th percentile. Proactive emergency planning and awareness of the specific hazards driving Madison County's score can meaningfully reduce household risk.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Madison County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 77th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 60th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (47th percentile), tornado (42th percentile), wildfire (20th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Flood risk is Madison County's top hazard at the 77th 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. Secondary hurricane exposure at the 60th percentile adds a second preparedness layer; households should review coverage options and alert sign-up for both hazard types. Households across Madison 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
Madison County's composite risk score sits 10.0 points below the New York county average, reflecting a more favorable hazard environment than the state typical.
Is your household prepared for Madison County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Madison County, NY?
What types of natural hazards affect Madison County?
How does Madison County risk compare to the New York average?
Is Madison County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Madison 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.