Tioga County Disaster Risk
Tioga County, New York
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
60th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#44
of 62 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
79th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 79% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 24% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 44% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 33% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 63% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Tioga County, New York
Tioga County's Below-Average Risk
Tioga County scores 59.86 with a Relatively Low rating, placing it well below New York's state average of 69.42. The county benefits from comparatively lower exposure to tornadoes, earthquakes, and wildfires, though flood risk remains a consideration.
Safer Than Most New York Counties
Tioga County's composite score of 59.86 ranks it in New York's lower-risk tier, with only Seneca County (41.83) showing notably less hazard exposure. This favorable positioning reflects the county's rural character and geographic advantages.
Among Region's Safest Counties
Tioga County's 59.86 score exceeds only Seneca County (41.83) in this dataset, well below peers like Tompkins (73.86), Sullivan (78.28), and Steuben (76.88). Its tornado risk (43.77) is particularly low compared to neighboring counties facing 58+ scores.
Flooding the Primary Concern
Flood risk at 78.88 is Tioga County's dominant hazard, though still below many other New York counties. Tornado (43.77), hurricane (62.70), and wildfire (23.89) risks all remain well-controlled relative to state averages.
Flood Insurance Recommended
While Tioga County enjoys relatively low overall risk, flood insurance remains essential for any property in a floodplain or near waterways. Standard homeowners policies exclude flood damage, making separate coverage critical even in lower-risk areas.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Tioga County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Tioga County
Risk Verdict
With a national percentile rank of 60th, Tioga County faces below-average hazard exposure relative to U.S. counties as a whole. Above-average risk does not mean imminent danger; it signals that informed, hazard-specific preparedness has high value here.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Tioga County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 79th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 63th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (44th percentile), earthquake (33th percentile), wildfire (24th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With flood risk ranking at the 79th percentile nationally, Tioga County residents face one of the most financially damaging hazards without specialized coverage. Flood insurance through the NFIP or a private carrier is worth evaluating regardless of current mortgage requirements. Secondary hurricane exposure at the 63th percentile adds a second preparedness layer; households should review coverage options and alert sign-up for both hazard types. Registering for Tioga County's county emergency alert system — typically through the county emergency management office's website — ensures households receive early warning when flood events develop faster than forecast.
Regional Context
Tioga County falls 9.6 points below New York's typical county risk level, making it one of the safer natural-hazard environments in the state.
Is your household prepared for Tioga County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Tioga County, NY?
What types of natural hazards affect Tioga County?
How does Tioga County risk compare to the New York average?
Is Tioga County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Tioga County a safe place to live?
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.