Ontario County Disaster Risk
Ontario County, New York
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
64th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#39
of 62 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
79th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 79% 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 44% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 53% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 59% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Ontario County, New York
Ontario: Below-Average National Disaster Risk
Ontario County scores 63.55 on composite disaster risk, placing it below the national average and in the relatively low risk category. While this favorable ranking reflects lower exposure to major hazards compared to most American counties, specific threats like flooding still warrant serious attention. Ontario residents can feel somewhat assured overall, but preparation remains important for localized hazards.
Ontario Below New York's Average Risk
Ontario scores 63.55 compared to New York's state average of 69.42, positioning it as one of the safer counties in New York by disaster risk. This below-average profile gives Ontario an advantage in terms of overall hazard exposure compared to state peers. However, specific risks like flood vulnerability still require local attention and preparedness.
Ontario: Lower Risk Than Surrounding Counties
Ontario (63.55) has meaningfully lower risk than neighbors Oneida (86.32), Onondaga (91.25), and Otsego (75.83), making it one of the safer spots in central New York. Only Oswego County (67.56) compares closely in the regional risk picture. Ontario's relatively favorable position offers residents an opportunity to focus preparation efforts on the most serious localized threats.
Flooding Stands Out as Primary Threat
Ontario's dominant risk is flooding, with a score of 78.85—significantly higher than other local hazards like tornadoes (43.96) and earthquakes (53.09). While earthquakes and tornadoes pose some concern, water-related disasters represent the county's most serious and frequent natural hazard. Flood preparedness should be Ontario's top priority for household and community safety.
Flood Insurance Should Be Your Priority
Ontario residents should prioritize obtaining flood insurance, as standard homeowners policies exclude flood damage and Ontario's flood risk score of 78.85 reflects real exposure. Even properties outside formal flood zones can experience water damage from heavy rains and local flooding. Get a flood insurance quote today—it's often more affordable than you expect and protects your biggest investment.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Ontario County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Ontario County
Risk Verdict
At the 64th percentile nationally, Ontario County experiences a manageable level of natural hazard risk that falls below the U.S. median. Ontario County's risk profile calls for targeted preparedness, focusing on the hazard categories that dominate the county's score.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Ontario County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 79th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 59th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (53th percentile), tornado (44th percentile), wildfire (38th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Ontario County's dominant hazard is flooding, ranked at the 79th percentile nationally. In addition to flood insurance, residents should identify their nearest evacuation shelter and store key documents in waterproof containers. Alongside flooding, hurricane exposure at the 59th percentile means households benefit from a multi-hazard preparedness plan rather than focusing on flood alone. Ontario County's county emergency management office publishes hazard-specific guidance tailored to local conditions; bookmarking that resource and the county's alert system is a practical first step for any household.
Regional Context
Compared to the New York county average, Ontario County's composite score runs 5.9 points lower — a gap that reflects the county's relatively modest hazard profile within its state context.
Is your household prepared for Ontario County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Ontario County, NY?
What types of natural hazards affect Ontario County?
How does Ontario County risk compare to the New York average?
Is Ontario County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Ontario 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.