Caledonia County Disaster Risk
Caledonia County, Vermont
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
30th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#8
of 14 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
53th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 53% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 18% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 10% 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 71% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Caledonia County, Vermont
Caledonia ranks among America's safest
With a composite risk score of 30.15 and a "Very Low" rating, Caledonia County sits well below the national average for natural disaster risk. Its hazard profile reflects the protective geography of northeastern Vermont's uplands.
Vermont's second-safest county profile
Caledonia's score of 30.15 ranks second-lowest in Vermont, just above Grand Isle County, and well below the state average of 36.44. The county's relative isolation and higher elevation contribute to its favorable risk position.
Safer than most northeastern counties
Caledonia's risk profile stands notably lower than Essex County (3.21 composite score) and closer to Lamoille's 18.26, making it one of the Northeast Kingdom's more stable communities. Its tornado risk (10.27) ranks among Vermont's lowest.
Hurricanes and floods warrant attention
Caledonia's primary hazard exposures stem from hurricane risk (71.26) and flood risk (52.80), driven by Atlantic weather systems and river valleys including the Passumpsic and Lamoille. Earthquake risk (44.88) presents a moderate but manageable secondary concern.
Prioritize flood and wind protection
Caledonia residents should secure flood insurance through the NFIP, particularly in mapped flood zones along the county's river systems. Wind coverage should also be verified, as hurricane-force winds occasionally impact the region.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Caledonia County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Caledonia County
Risk Verdict
Compared to the nation's 3,144 counties, Caledonia County ranks at the 30th percentile for natural disaster risk — toward the safer end of the spectrum. A 30th percentile score positions Caledonia County among the nation's lower-risk counties, a genuinely favorable outcome — one that simple, low-cost preparedness habits can reinforce further.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Caledonia County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 71th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 53th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (45th percentile), wildfire (18th percentile), tornado (10th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With hurricane ranked at the 71th percentile nationally, Caledonia County sits in a zone where multi-day supply readiness matters: grid outages after landfalling storms can last one to three weeks in heavily affected areas. Caledonia County's flood exposure at the 53th percentile nationally adds a hazard layer that can persist or intensify after hurricane-force winds have passed, particularly in low-lying inland areas. Insurance gaps are the most common post-hurricane financial shock: standard homeowners policies typically exclude flood damage and may have a separate wind deductible. Caledonia County households benefit from a pre-season insurance review confirming both wind and flood coverage.
Regional Context
At 6.3 points below the Vermont state average, Caledonia County is among the lower-risk counties in the state for natural disaster exposure.
Is your household prepared for Caledonia County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Caledonia County, VT?
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Is Caledonia 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.