Orleans County Disaster Risk
Orleans County, New York
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
18th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#60
of 62 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
40th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 40% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 12% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 22% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 37% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 52% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Orleans County, New York
Orleans: Among America's Safest Counties
Orleans County scores just 17.88 on composite disaster risk, placing it in the very low risk category and among the safest counties nationally. This exceptionally low score reflects minimal exposure to the major hazard types that threaten many American communities. Orleans residents can feel genuinely reassured about overall natural disaster risk compared to most of the nation.
New York's Lowest-Risk County
Orleans County scores 17.88 compared to New York's state average of 69.42—by far the lowest risk profile in the state and a dramatic divergence from most New York peers. This exceptional safety ranking reflects Orleans' geography and exposure patterns, which spare it from the serious hazards affecting most other New York counties. Orleans residents enjoy an unusually protected disaster risk profile.
Orleans Exceptionally Safe in Western NY
Orleans (17.88) has dramatically lower risk than all surrounding counties in western New York, making it a clear standout for disaster safety. Even the next-lowest-risk peers in the region score substantially higher than Orleans. Your county represents a genuine refuge from natural disaster exposure in this part of New York.
Hurricane Risk Tops a Moderate Threat List
Orleans County's most serious hazard is hurricane risk at 51.86, followed by flood exposure at 39.85—both notably modest compared to other New York counties. Wildfire (12.47) and tornado (22.39) risks remain very low here. Even Orleans' highest-risk hazard trails the state average, allowing residents to focus preparation on a narrower range of concerns.
Standard Coverage Often Sufficient Here
Orleans residents have an advantage: a comprehensive homeowners policy typically addresses your primary risks, though flood insurance is still recommended given any elevation in flood-prone zones. Earthquake insurance is unlikely to be a priority given Orleans' minimal seismic risk. Review your current coverage with an agent to confirm adequacy, then focus on other community investments.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Orleans County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Orleans County
Risk Verdict
At the 18th percentile nationally, Orleans County experiences relatively limited natural hazard pressure compared to most of the country. Even at the 18th percentile, Orleans County's composite score reflects real hazard exposure categories — knowing which ones apply locally enables targeted, efficient household preparedness.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Orleans County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 52th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 40th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (37th percentile), tornado (22th percentile), wildfire (12th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Orleans County ranks at the 52th percentile nationally for hurricane risk. For coastal counties, wind-resistant shutters or impact-rated windows represent the highest single structural investment for reducing property damage. Orleans County's flood exposure at the 40th percentile nationally adds a hazard layer that can persist or intensify after hurricane-force winds have passed, particularly in low-lying inland areas. For extended post-storm outages common in Orleans County's hurricane zone, a portable generator (operated outdoors only) and a supply of non-perishable food for at least seven days provides meaningful household resilience.
Regional Context
A composite score 51.5 points below the New York state average puts Orleans County in a better-than-typical position relative to neighboring counties.
Is your household prepared for Orleans County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Orleans County, NY?
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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.