Tompkins County Disaster Risk
Tompkins County, New York
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
74th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#28
of 62 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
86th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 86% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 22% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 59% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 43% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 65% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Tompkins County, New York
Tompkins County's Moderate Risk Profile
Tompkins County scores 73.86 with a Relatively Low rating, slightly above New York's state average of 69.42. The county faces moderate flood (86.20) and tornado (58.97) risks, balanced by very low wildfire exposure.
Middle-Tier Risk for New York
With a composite score of 73.86, Tompkins County ranks in New York's moderate-risk group, safer than Suffolk, Ulster, and Sullivan counties but more exposed than Seneca and Tioga. Its flood risk (86.20) aligns with the broader upstate pattern of water-related hazards.
Moderate Risk in Central NY Region
Tompkins County's 73.86 score sits between the safer Tioga County (59.86) and the riskier Steuben County (76.88) and Sullivan County (78.28). Its tornado risk (58.97) is notably higher than Tioga's 43.77, reflecting variable storm exposure across the region.
Flooding and Tornadoes Lead Threats
Flood risk at 86.20 and tornado risk at 58.97 are Tompkins County's primary hazards, both above state averages and reflecting the county's inland water systems and storm patterns. Wildfire risk is exceptionally low at 22.23, offering some relief across the hazard portfolio.
Flood and Wind Protection Essential
Tompkins County residents should prioritize flood insurance and ensure homeowners policies include tornado and severe wind coverage. Properties near Cayuga Lake, gorges, and floodplain areas face compounded risk and warrant additional protective measures.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Tompkins County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Tompkins County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard pressure in Tompkins County is below the national midpoint, with a composite score at the 74th percentile. Proactive emergency planning and awareness of the specific hazards driving Tompkins County's score can meaningfully reduce household risk.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Tompkins County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 86th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 65th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (59th percentile), earthquake (43th percentile), wildfire (22th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Flood risk is Tompkins County's top hazard at the 86th percentile nationally. Households in or near designated flood zones face elevated financial exposure; flood insurance typically requires a 30-day waiting period before it takes effect, so applying before the season is advisable. The county's second-ranked hazard, hurricane at the 65th percentile nationally, means Tompkins County residents face compounding risks from multiple natural hazard types during peak seasons. Households across Tompkins County should identify the nearest community shelter and keep a basic emergency kit — water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlight, and battery radio — in a location easy to grab quickly.
Regional Context
Tompkins County's risk score is broadly comparable to the New York county average, with a 4.4-point gap that places the county near the center of the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for Tompkins County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Tompkins County, NY?
What types of natural hazards affect Tompkins County?
How does Tompkins County risk compare to the New York average?
Is Tompkins County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Tompkins 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.