Otsego County Disaster Risk
Otsego County, New York
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
76th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#27
of 62 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
86th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 86% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 26% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 46% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 47% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 65% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Otsego County, New York
Otsego: Moderate Risk by National Measures
Otsego County scores 75.83 on composite disaster risk, placing it above the national median in the relatively low risk category. This score reflects meaningful but not extreme exposure to multiple hazard types, with flooding creating the most significant threat. Otsego residents face natural disaster risks comparable to or slightly above the American average.
Otsego Above New York's Average Risk
Otsego scores 75.83 compared to New York's state average of 69.42, positioning it above the statewide norm and among the mid-to-higher-risk New York counties. This above-average profile reflects the county's particular vulnerability to flooding and earthquake exposure. Otsego residents should consider their risk profile more serious than most state peers.
Otsego: Higher Risk Than Most Peers
Otsego (75.83) trails only the highest-risk central New York counties of Oneida (86.32) and Onondaga (91.25), outpacing Ontario (63.55), Oswego (67.56), and most other regional neighbors. Otsego's profile places it among the higher-risk areas in its immediate region. Your county faces more serious hazard exposure than most surrounding communities.
Flooding and Earthquake Hazards Stand Out
Otsego's two primary threats are flooding (85.85) and tornadoes (46.28), with significant earthquake risk (47.30) also warranting attention. Flooding represents the most frequent and damaging hazard, while earthquakes create a less common but potentially serious secondary threat. Both flooding and seismic activity deserve serious preparation and risk reduction focus.
Flood and Earthquake Coverage Both Important
Otsego residents should prioritize flood insurance given the 85.85 flood risk score and the reality that standard homeowners policies exclude all water damage. Earthquake insurance should also be evaluated given Otsego's 47.30 seismic risk score. Work with an insurance professional to ensure comprehensive protection against both of these significant hazard types.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Otsego County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Otsego County
Risk Verdict
Otsego County sits below the national average for natural disaster exposure, ranking at the 76th percentile across all U.S. counties. Otsego County's elevated composite score reflects cumulative multi-hazard exposure; households should prepare for the county's two or three primary hazard types.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Otsego County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 86th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 65th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (47th percentile), tornado (46th percentile), wildfire (26th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With flood ranked as the primary hazard at the 86th percentile nationally, Otsego County households should build a go-bag that includes important documents, medications, and supplies to sustain the family for at least three days if evacuation is needed. Secondary hurricane exposure at the 65th percentile adds a second preparedness layer; households should review coverage options and alert sign-up for both hazard types. A waterproof container for documents (insurance policies, ID, prescriptions) and a clear household communication plan for when phone networks are congested are the two highest-value low-cost preparedness steps for Otsego County households.
Regional Context
A composite score 6.4 points above the New York state average puts Otsego County in a higher-risk category than most counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Otsego County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Otsego County, NY?
What types of natural hazards affect Otsego County?
How does Otsego County risk compare to the New York average?
Is Otsego County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Otsego 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.