St. Lawrence County Disaster Risk
St. Lawrence County, New York
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
78th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#25
of 62 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
85th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 85% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 33% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 24% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 87% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 59% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in St. Lawrence County, New York
St. Lawrence County's Moderate Risk Profile
St. Lawrence County scores 77.89 with a Relatively Low rating, placing it above New York's state average of 69.42. The county faces elevated earthquake risk (86.51) and significant flood exposure (84.96), reflecting its geography in upstate New York.
Mid-Range Risk Among NY Counties
St. Lawrence County's composite score of 77.89 ranks it in the state's moderate-risk group, with notable earthquake exposure that exceeds most neighboring counties. Its flood risk of 84.96 mirrors the broader upstate pattern of water-related hazards.
Higher Risk Than Southern Neighbors
St. Lawrence County's 77.89 score exceeds Tioga County's 59.86 but remains similar to Sullivan County (78.28) and Steuben County (76.88). Its earthquake risk (86.51) is notably higher than these peers, reflecting distinct seismic exposure in the region.
Earthquakes and Flooding Dominate
Earthquake risk at 86.51 and flood risk at 84.96 are St. Lawrence County's primary hazards, both significantly above the state average. Tornado and wildfire risks remain manageable at 24.17 and 33.11, respectively.
Prioritize Earthquake and Flood Coverage
Homeowners in St. Lawrence County should secure flood insurance immediately and consider earthquake coverage, especially in older buildings and areas near water. Both hazards are excluded from standard policies and require separate endorsements or specialized policies.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in St. Lawrence County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: St. Lawrence County
Risk Verdict
St. Lawrence County's FEMA risk score places it at the 78th percentile nationally, indicating lower-than-typical exposure for a U.S. county. At this risk level, having a documented household preparedness plan — not just awareness — is the meaningful next step for St. Lawrence County residents.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is St. Lawrence County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 87th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 85th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (59th percentile), wildfire (33th percentile), tornado (24th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With earthquake ranked as the top hazard at the 87th percentile nationally, St. Lawrence County residents benefit from reviewing homeowners insurance: standard policies rarely cover earthquake damage, and separate earthquake insurance must be purchased before an event. Flood at the 85th percentile nationally is a separate hazard dimension for St. Lawrence County that requires different protective strategies from earthquake preparedness. Earthquake insurance in St. Lawrence County is typically offered as a separate policy — standard homeowners coverage excludes ground movement. Reviewing this gap and comparing policy options before an event is a financial preparedness step with potentially large consequences.
Regional Context
The New York county average is 8.5 composite points below St. Lawrence County's score, a gap that reflects the county's elevated position in the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for St. Lawrence County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in St. Lawrence County, NY?
What types of natural hazards affect St. Lawrence County?
How does St. Lawrence County risk compare to the New York average?
Is St. Lawrence County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is St. Lawrence 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.