Yates County Disaster Risk
Yates County, New York
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
47th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#54
of 62 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
67th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 67% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 13% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 30% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 27% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 64% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Yates County, New York
Yates County below national average risk
With a composite risk score of 46.63, Yates County ranks as relatively low risk—meaningfully safer than the national average for natural disaster exposure. This favorable position reflects a county where hazards are present but collectively manageable compared to higher-risk communities nationwide.
Well-protected within New York
Yates County's 46.63 score falls substantially below New York's state average of 69.42, placing it among the state's safer counties. This 23-point gap positions Yates clearly in New York's lower-risk tier, benefiting from both geography and local hazard mitigation.
Safer than most, but not the safest
Yates County (46.63) ranks second-safest in this six-county sample, trailing only Wyoming County (41.25) and substantially ahead of Warren County (62.31). This positioning shows that central New York counties share lower hazard exposure compared to more vulnerable western and southern regions.
Hurricanes and floods primary concerns
Hurricane risk (63.62) and flood risk (67.49) represent Yates County's two highest threats, both driven by the county's Finger Lakes location and regional storm patterns. Tornado risk (29.71) remains secondary and well below state average, while wildfire (12.72) and earthquake (27.39) threats are minimal.
Flood and wind coverage recommended
Yates County residents should secure flood insurance, particularly those near waterways and flood-prone areas, and ensure adequate wind/hurricane coverage in their homeowners policy. These two protections address your primary hazards while keeping overall insurance costs reasonable given your favorable risk profile.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Yates County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Yates County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard pressure in Yates County is below the national midpoint, with a composite score at the 47th percentile. Residents of Yates County can use the 47th percentile ranking as a baseline, while recognizing that individual properties may still lie in specific hazard zones that differ from the county average.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Yates County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 67th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 64th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (30th percentile), earthquake (27th percentile), wildfire (13th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Flood risk is Yates County's top hazard at the 67th 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. Alongside flooding, hurricane exposure at the 64th percentile means households benefit from a multi-hazard preparedness plan rather than focusing on flood alone. Households across Yates 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
Yates County's composite risk score sits 22.8 points below the New York county average, reflecting a more favorable hazard environment than the state typical.
Is your household prepared for Yates County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Yates County, NY?
What types of natural hazards affect Yates County?
How does Yates County risk compare to the New York average?
Is Yates County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Yates 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.