Rockland County Disaster Risk
Rockland County, New York
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
88th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#13
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 15% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 78% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 89% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Moderate
Higher than 86% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Rockland County, New York
Rockland carries elevated moderate risk
Rockland County scores 88.42 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the Relatively Moderate category and well above the national average. This reflects substantial exposure to flooding, tornadoes, and earthquakes without the exceptional coastal focus seen in maritime counties. Rockland's moderate-to-high position demands attentive hazard planning.
Third-highest risk in New York
Rockland County ranks third statewide with a score of 88.42, trailing Queens (99.17) and Richmond (91.00)—27% above New York's average of 69.42. This places Rockland among the state's most hazard-exposed communities, tied closely with other Hudson Valley counties. Only two New York counties register notably higher composite risk.
Riskier than most upstate peers
Rockland (88.42) exceeds Saratoga County (73.03) by 15 points and Schenectady County (71.28) by 17 points. Within the Hudson Valley and Capital Region network, Rockland occupies a distinctly higher-risk position. This elevation reflects both geographic location and regional hazard patterns.
Flooding and earthquakes lead threats
Flood risk reaches 91.79, making water inundation Rockland's dominant hazard, while earthquake risk (88.71) signals significant seismic exposure. Tornado risk (77.51) adds a secondary but meaningful threat. These combined hazards reflect Rockland's location near water bodies and geological fault zones.
Prioritize flood and earthquake coverage
With flood risk at 91.79, NFIP or private flood insurance is essential for Rockland homeowners—standard policies exclude water damage. Earthquake insurance should be evaluated seriously given the 88.71 risk score. Contact your insurance agent to review all three hazard protections and close any gaps in your coverage.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Rockland County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Rockland County
Risk Verdict
Rockland County's overall risk score at the 88th percentile nationally signals meaningful exposure to multiple natural hazard types. Comprehensive household preparedness — including reviewing insurance, maintaining emergency supplies, and knowing evacuation routes — is strongly recommended.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Rockland County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 92th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 89th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (86th percentile), tornado (78th percentile), wildfire (15th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Rockland County sits at the 92th percentile nationally for flood exposure. Knowing your property's flood zone designation — available at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center — is the first step toward understanding actual exposure and insurance options. Alongside flooding, earthquake exposure at the 89th percentile means households benefit from a multi-hazard preparedness plan rather than focusing on flood alone. Regardless of specific hazard, Rockland County households benefit from a practiced communication plan: a designated out-of-state contact and a pre-agreed evacuation destination established before the season's peak risk period.
Regional Context
Compared to other New York counties, Rockland County runs 19.0 composite risk points higher than the state mean — reflecting above-average hazard concentration in this area.
Is your household prepared for Rockland County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Rockland County, NY?
What types of natural hazards affect Rockland County?
How does Rockland County risk compare to the New York average?
Is Rockland County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Rockland 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.