Onondaga County Disaster Risk
Onondaga County, New York
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
91th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#10
of 62 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
95th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively High
Higher than 95% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 46% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 87% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 81% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 77% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Onondaga County, New York
Onondaga: Among America's Riskier Counties
Onondaga County scores 91.25 on composite disaster risk, placing it significantly above the national average and in the relatively moderate risk category. This high score reflects acute vulnerability to flooding, tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes. Your county faces a broader range of serious natural hazards than most American communities.
New York's Second-Highest Risk County
Onondaga ranks as one of New York's highest-risk counties with a score of 91.25 compared to the state average of 69.42, reflecting hazards that far exceed typical statewide exposure. This places Onondaga among the most hazard-prone regions in New York, ahead of most peer counties. Residents here face disaster risks that demand serious attention and preparation.
Onondaga Leads Central New York in Risk
Onondaga (91.25) significantly outpaces all neighboring counties, including Oneida (86.32), Oswego (67.56), and Otsego (75.83). This elevated profile reflects Onondaga's particular vulnerability to flooding and tornado activity across a densely populated region. Your county's risk level is notably higher than surrounding areas, making disaster preparedness especially critical.
Floods, Tornadoes, and Earthquakes Loom Large
Onondaga faces exceptional flood risk (95.17), extreme tornado exposure (87.28), and significant earthquake hazard (81.39). Flooding poses the most frequent and costliest threat, with tornado risk creating additional seasonal danger during spring and early summer. These three hazard types together demand comprehensive preparation and ongoing risk reduction efforts.
Flood, Wind, and Earthquake Insurance Essential
Onondaga residents need more than standard homeowners coverage—you must separately secure flood insurance (given the 95.17 flood risk) and earthquake protection. A strong homeowners policy with high wind and hail coverage is equally critical for tornado season. Contact an insurance professional today to audit your coverage gaps and protect your family's most valuable asset.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Onondaga County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Onondaga County
Risk Verdict
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Onondaga County at the 91th percentile nationally — above average and worth proactive preparation. Residents should prioritize a formal household emergency plan, including evacuation routes, insurance review, and a well-stocked emergency kit.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Onondaga County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 95th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 87th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (81th percentile), hurricane (77th percentile), wildfire (46th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Flood risk is Onondaga County's top hazard at the 95th 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. The county's second-ranked hazard, tornado at the 87th percentile nationally, means Onondaga County residents face compounding risks from multiple natural hazard types during peak seasons. Households across Onondaga 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
Onondaga County is 21.8 composite risk points above the New York average, indicating that residents face greater natural hazard exposure than most of their in-state neighbors.
Is your household prepared for Onondaga County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Onondaga County, NY?
What types of natural hazards affect Onondaga County?
How does Onondaga County risk compare to the New York average?
Is Onondaga County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Onondaga 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.