Bennington County Disaster Risk
Bennington County, Vermont
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
52th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#4
of 14 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
65th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 65% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 20% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 21% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 45% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 72% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Bennington County, Vermont
Bennington faces moderate national risk
Bennington County's composite risk score of 52.32 earns a "Relatively Low" rating, placing it above many U.S. counties but still in a manageable risk band. This score reflects elevated flood exposure alongside moderate earthquake and hurricane vulnerabilities.
Higher risk than most Vermont counties
Bennington ranks as one of Vermont's riskier counties with a score well above the state average of 36.44. Only Chittenden County exceeds Bennington's risk profile among the eight counties analyzed.
Flood risk stands out in southern region
Bennington's flood risk score of 64.54 significantly exceeds neighboring Addison County (47.71) and most other Vermont counties. This elevation reflects the county's topography and proximity to major river valleys including the Walloomsac and Deerfield rivers.
Flooding and hurricanes dominate threats
Bennington's top risk comes from flooding (64.54), driven by heavy precipitation and river overflow in its mountainous terrain. Hurricane risk (71.88) ranks second highest in the state, making wind and water damage serious concerns for residents.
Flood insurance is essential protection
Given Bennington's elevated flood risk—the highest among most Vermont counties—NFIP flood insurance should be a priority for properties in flood-prone zones. Homeowners outside mapped flood zones should still consider coverage, as nearly 20% of flood claims come from areas with minimal flood risk.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Bennington County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Bennington County
Risk Verdict
Bennington County ranks at the 52th percentile nationally for natural disaster risk — below the median for U.S. counties. Residents are encouraged to understand which hazards dominate locally and tailor their preparedness accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Bennington County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 72th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 65th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (45th percentile), tornado (21th percentile), wildfire (20th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Bennington County ranks at the 72th percentile nationally for hurricane risk. For coastal counties, wind-resistant shutters or impact-rated windows represent the highest single structural investment for reducing property damage. Flood at the 65th percentile nationally is Bennington County's secondary hazard, often intensified by the same weather systems that produce hurricane conditions. For extended post-storm outages common in Bennington County's hurricane zone, a portable generator (operated outdoors only) and a supply of non-perishable food for at least seven days provides meaningful household resilience.
Regional Context
Compared to other Vermont counties, Bennington County runs 15.9 composite risk points higher than the state mean — reflecting above-average hazard concentration in this area.
Is your household prepared for Bennington County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Bennington County, VT?
What types of natural hazards affect Bennington County?
How does Bennington County risk compare to the Vermont average?
Is Bennington County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Bennington 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.