Sullivan County Disaster Risk
Sullivan County, New York
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
78th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#24
of 62 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
87th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 87% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 30% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 71% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 68% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 79% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Sullivan County, New York
Sullivan County's Moderate Risk Exposure
Sullivan County scores 78.28 with a Relatively Low rating, slightly exceeding New York's state average of 69.42 by about 9 points. The county faces moderate-to-elevated risk across multiple hazard types, particularly tornadoes and hurricanes.
Above-Average Risk for New York
With a composite score of 78.28, Sullivan County ranks in the state's moderate-risk tier, outpaced only by Suffolk County and Ulster County. Its tornado risk (71.34) and hurricane risk (79.18) significantly exceed statewide norms, reflecting the county's positioning in New York's variable hazard landscape.
Comparable Risk to Regional Counties
Sullivan County's 78.28 score places it very close to St. Lawrence County (77.89) and Steuben County (76.88), though its tornado exposure is notably higher. Ulster County (87.69) remains the region's riskiest, while Seneca and Tioga counties are significantly safer.
Tornadoes and Hurricanes Dominate
Tornado risk at 71.34 and hurricane risk at 79.18 are Sullivan County's primary concerns, both substantially above state averages. Flood risk (86.61) and earthquake risk (68.32) add additional layers of vulnerability across the county's diverse landscape.
Secure Wind and Flood Coverage
Sullivan County homeowners should prioritize tornado and hurricane wind protection in their insurance policies, plus comprehensive flood coverage for properties near water bodies. Older homes and mobile structures face heightened vulnerability and benefit from additional structural reinforcement.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Sullivan County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Sullivan County
Risk Verdict
Sullivan County sits below the national average for natural disaster exposure, ranking at the 78th percentile across all U.S. counties. Sullivan 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 Sullivan County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 87th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 79th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (71th percentile), earthquake (68th percentile), wildfire (30th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With flood ranked as the primary hazard at the 87th percentile nationally, Sullivan 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. Alongside flooding, hurricane exposure at the 79th percentile means households benefit from a multi-hazard preparedness plan rather than focusing on flood alone. 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 Sullivan County households.
Regional Context
A composite score 8.9 points above the New York state average puts Sullivan County in a higher-risk category than most counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Sullivan County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Sullivan County, NY?
What types of natural hazards affect Sullivan County?
How does Sullivan County risk compare to the New York average?
Is Sullivan County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Sullivan 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.