Oswego County Disaster Risk
Oswego County, New York
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
68th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#36
of 62 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
82th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 82% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 36% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 43% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 65% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 61% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Oswego County, New York
Oswego: Moderate Hazard Exposure Nationwide
Oswego County scores 67.56 on composite disaster risk, placing it just slightly below the national average in the relatively low risk category. This score reflects moderate but not extreme exposure to multiple hazard types, with flooding representing the most serious threat. Oswego residents face natural disaster risks that are somewhat lighter than the nation overall.
Oswego Below New York's Average Risk
Oswego scores 67.56 compared to New York's state average of 69.42, positioning it slightly below the statewide norm and among the safer New York counties. This below-average profile gives Oswego residents a relative advantage in terms of broad hazard exposure. However, specific localized threats still deserve serious attention and preparation.
Oswego: Mid-Range Risk for Central NY
Oswego (67.56) sits between lower-risk Ontario (63.55) and higher-risk neighbors Oneida (86.32) and Onondaga (91.25), representing a moderate position in central New York's risk spectrum. Oswego's profile is somewhat safer than the densest urban areas nearby. Your county's risk level places it in a comfortable middle ground for the region.
Flooding Dominates the Hazard Profile
Oswego's primary concern is flooding, with a risk score of 82.12 that significantly exceeds all other hazards in the county. Earthquakes (65.30) and hurricanes (60.66) present moderate secondary risks, while tornadoes (43.10) and wildfires (35.69) remain relatively low. Flood preparedness and protection are the clear priority for Oswego households and businesses.
Flood Insurance Protects Your Most Valued Asset
Oswego residents must prioritize flood insurance given the county's 82.12 flood risk score, as standard homeowners coverage excludes flood damage entirely. A comprehensive homeowners policy with solid wind coverage addresses other secondary risks adequately. Contact an insurance agent today to obtain flood insurance quotes—coverage is often affordable and essential for financial protection.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Oswego County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Oswego County
Risk Verdict
Oswego County's FEMA risk score places it at the 68th percentile nationally, indicating lower-than-typical exposure for a U.S. county. A moderate composite score often means one or two hazard categories are doing the heavy lifting — knowing which ones matters for preparation.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Oswego County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 82th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 65th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (61th percentile), tornado (43th percentile), wildfire (36th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 82th percentile nationally for flood risk, Oswego County residents benefit from understanding their specific flood zone status. Even one inch of floodwater causes significant structural damage to properties outside officially designated high-risk zones. Alongside flooding, earthquake exposure at the 65th percentile means households benefit from a multi-hazard preparedness plan rather than focusing on flood alone. A tested family preparedness plan specific to Oswego County's primary hazards — including how to shelter in place or evacuate, and who to call — provides more real protection than a general emergency kit sitting unused on a shelf.
Regional Context
Oswego County sits within 1.9 composite points of the New York state average, suggesting the county's hazard exposure is representative of the broader regional pattern.
Is your household prepared for Oswego County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Oswego County, NY?
What types of natural hazards affect Oswego County?
How does Oswego County risk compare to the New York average?
Is Oswego County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Oswego 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.