Richmond County Disaster Risk
Richmond County, New York
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
91th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#11
of 62 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
92th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 92% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 31% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 83% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 92% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Moderate
Higher than 90% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Richmond County, New York
Richmond faces moderate-to-high risk
Richmond County scores 91.00 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the Relatively Moderate category but near the top of that band. This score exceeds the national average and signals genuine multi-hazard exposure, particularly from coastal and seismic activity. Richmond's risk profile demands serious preparation despite the "moderate" label.
Second-highest risk in New York State
Richmond County ranks second in New York's hazard hierarchy with a score of 91.00, trailing only Queens County at 99.17—31% above the state average of 69.42. This position places Richmond among the state's most vulnerable communities. Only one New York county carries demonstrably higher disaster risk.
Riskier than all nearby counties
Richmond (91.00) outpaces Rockland County (88.42) and sits well above Saratoga (73.03) and Schenectady (71.28). Among counties within reasonable distance, Richmond stands as the clear leader in composite risk exposure. This isolation at the top of the regional risk chart underscores local hazard intensity.
Coastal threats and earthquakes dominate
Flood risk scores 91.95 and hurricane risk hits 90.24, reflecting Richmond's exposure as a Staten Island-based county surrounded by water. Earthquake risk (91.83) adds critical seismic vulnerability. These three hazards together create a uniquely challenging risk profile for the region.
Flood and wind coverage are essential
With flood risk at 91.95 and hurricane risk at 90.24, NFIP flood insurance and windstorm coverage are non-negotiable for Richmond homeowners. Earthquake insurance deserves serious consideration given the 91.83 risk score. Bundle these protections and review your policy annually, especially before hurricane season.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Richmond County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Richmond County
Risk Verdict
Richmond County faces a moderate natural disaster risk profile, ranking at the 91th percentile nationally under FEMA's composite risk model. This risk level calls for more than general awareness: insurance coverage review, a family communication plan, and a prepared go-bag are practical priorities.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Richmond County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 92th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 92th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (90th percentile), tornado (83th percentile), wildfire (31th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Richmond County's top natural hazard is flood risk, ranked at the 92th percentile nationally. Homeowners here should confirm whether they are in a FEMA-designated flood zone and check if standard homeowners insurance covers flood damage — it typically does not. The county's second-ranked hazard, earthquake at the 92th percentile nationally, means Richmond County residents face compounding risks from multiple natural hazard types during peak seasons. For most Richmond County households, the highest-return preparedness step is storing critical documents in digital cloud backup combined with a pre-designated family meeting point if communication is disrupted.
Regional Context
Richmond County's composite risk score sits 21.6 points above the New York county average, placing it among the more hazard-exposed counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Richmond County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Richmond County, NY?
What types of natural hazards affect Richmond County?
How does Richmond County risk compare to the New York average?
Is Richmond County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Richmond 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.