Oneida County Disaster Risk
Oneida County, New York
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
86th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#17
of 62 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
91th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 91% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 38% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 72% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 80% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 70% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Oneida County, New York
Oneida's Risk: Above the National Middle
Oneida County scores 86.32 on composite disaster risk, placing it well above the national median and marking it as relatively moderate overall. This score reflects significant exposure across multiple hazard types, particularly flooding and earthquake risk. Understanding where your county stands nationally helps you prioritize which threats demand immediate preparation.
A High-Risk County in New York
Oneida ranks among New York's higher-risk counties with a score of 86.32 compared to the state average of 69.42, putting it in the upper tier statewide. This elevation reflects the county's particular vulnerability to water-related disasters and seismic activity. New Yorkers in Oneida should consider their risk profile more serious than most neighbors across the state.
Oneida Compared: Central New York Risk
Oneida (86.32) faces notably higher risk than nearby Ontario County (63.55) and Oswego County (67.56), but slightly trails its immediate neighbor Onondaga County (91.25). The variation across central New York reflects different exposure patterns to flooding and seismic activity. Your county's risk level sits in the higher range for this region, warranting serious attention to hazard preparation.
Flood and Earthquake Dominate Here
Oneida's two largest threats are flooding (91.09 risk score) and earthquake exposure (80.06), with tornadoes also posing significant concern at 71.88. Flooding poses the most immediate and frequent threat, affecting infrastructure, homes, and roads across the county. Both flooding and seismic activity warrant comprehensive risk reduction planning and appropriate insurance coverage.
Secure Coverage Against Water and Shaking
Standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood or earthquake damage—you need separate policies for both. Given Oneida's high flood score of 91.09, flood insurance should be a priority regardless of whether you're in a mapped high-risk zone. Consult with an insurance agent today about flood and earthquake riders to protect your property and finances.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Oneida County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Oneida County
Risk Verdict
With a composite score at the 86th percentile, Oneida County sits above the national median for natural hazard exposure. Proactive preparedness — not reactive response — is key to managing life in one of the country's higher-risk counties; Oneida County residents should plan accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Oneida County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 91th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 80th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (72th percentile), hurricane (70th percentile), wildfire (38th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With flood risk ranking at the 91th percentile nationally, Oneida County residents face one of the most financially damaging hazards without specialized coverage. Flood insurance through the NFIP or a private carrier is worth evaluating regardless of current mortgage requirements. Secondary earthquake exposure at the 80th percentile adds a second preparedness layer; households should review coverage options and alert sign-up for both hazard types. Registering for Oneida County's county emergency alert system — typically through the county emergency management office's website — ensures households receive early warning when flood events develop faster than forecast.
Regional Context
At 16.9 points above the New York state average, Oneida County carries meaningfully higher natural disaster exposure than a typical New York county.
Is your household prepared for Oneida County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Oneida County, NY?
What types of natural hazards affect Oneida County?
How does Oneida County risk compare to the New York average?
Is Oneida County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Oneida 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.