Steuben County Disaster Risk
Steuben County, New York
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
77th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#26
of 62 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
88th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 88% 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
Relatively Low
Higher than 58% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 39% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 70% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Steuben County, New York
Steuben County's Mixed Risk Profile
Steuben County registers 76.88 with a Relatively Low rating, slightly above New York's state average of 69.42, reflecting moderate hazard exposure. The county faces particularly elevated flood (87.53) and hurricane (70.13) risks that warrant attention from residents.
Mid-Tier Risk in New York
With a score of 76.88, Steuben County ranks in the state's middle tier for natural disaster risk, facing greater exposure than counties like Seneca and Tioga. Its flood risk of 87.53 places it among New York's most flood-prone counties.
Similar Risk to Regional Peers
Steuben County's risk profile aligns closely with Sullivan County (78.28) and St. Lawrence County (77.89), all facing comparable multi-hazard exposure. However, Steuben's tornado risk (58.11) significantly exceeds these neighbors, creating a distinct risk signature.
Flooding and Tornadoes Pose Real Threats
Flood risk at 87.53 and tornado risk at 58.11 are Steuben County's most pressing hazards, with flood exposure significantly above the state average. Hurricane risk (70.13) adds another layer of vulnerability, particularly for southern-facing properties.
Flood and Wind Coverage Critical
Steuben County residents should prioritize flood insurance and verify that homeowners policies include robust wind coverage for hurricane and tornado protection. Older homes and properties in floodplains face compounded risk and may require additional structural reinforcement.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Steuben County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Steuben County
Risk Verdict
Steuben County ranks at the 77th percentile nationally for natural disaster risk — below the median for U.S. counties. Comprehensive household preparedness — including reviewing insurance, maintaining emergency supplies, and knowing evacuation routes — is strongly recommended.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Steuben County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 88th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 70th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (58th percentile), earthquake (39th percentile), wildfire (31th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Steuben County sits at the 88th 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. Secondary hurricane exposure at the 70th percentile adds a second preparedness layer; households should review coverage options and alert sign-up for both hazard types. Regardless of specific hazard, Steuben 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, Steuben County runs 7.5 composite risk points higher than the state mean — reflecting above-average hazard concentration in this area.
Is your household prepared for Steuben County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Steuben County, NY?
What types of natural hazards affect Steuben County?
How does Steuben County risk compare to the New York average?
Is Steuben County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Steuben 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.