Chittenden County Disaster Risk
Chittenden County, Vermont
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
64th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#1
of 14 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
76th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 76% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 25% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 30% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 77% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 66% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Chittenden County, Vermont
Chittenden faces elevated national risk
Chittenden County's composite risk score of 63.90 places it in the "Relatively Low" range nationally but marks it as significantly more hazard-exposed than the average U.S. county. This profile reflects its position on Lake Champlain and exposure to multiple Atlantic storm tracks.
Vermont's riskiest county overall
With a score of 63.90, Chittenden County ranks as the highest-risk jurisdiction among Vermont's eight counties, substantially exceeding the state average of 36.44. The county's concentration of development and lakefront exposure drive this elevated profile.
Significantly riskier than surrounding counties
Chittenden's risk score outpaces neighboring Franklin County (29.20) and Addison County (26.78) by large margins. Its greater population density and extensive shoreline along Lake Champlain create exposure multipliers not seen in more rural neighbors.
Earthquakes, floods, and wind lead hazards
Chittenden County faces its highest risk from earthquakes (76.65) and floods (76.37), both scoring in the upper ranges statewide. Tornado risk (29.52) and hurricane risk (65.92) round out a complex hazard portfolio driven by geography and population concentration.
Multiple insurance layers save homes
Chittenden County residents should carry both NFIP flood insurance and comprehensive homeowners coverage with adequate wind and hail protection. Properties near Lake Champlain or in mapped flood zones face compounded risk and warrant particularly robust coverage.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Chittenden County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Chittenden County
Risk Verdict
Chittenden County sits below the national average for natural disaster exposure, ranking at the 64th percentile across all U.S. counties. Understanding the specific hazards behind Chittenden County's ranking helps residents prioritize where to direct emergency planning efforts.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Chittenden County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 77th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 76th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (66th percentile), tornado (30th percentile), wildfire (25th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 77th percentile nationally for earthquake risk, Chittenden County is in a zone where a post-earthquake communications plan matters almost as much as pre-earthquake structural preparation — phone networks are typically congested for hours after a significant event. Alongside earthquake exposure, Chittenden County's flood risk at the 76th percentile nationally reinforces the value of maintaining a household emergency supply cache usable for multiple hazard scenarios. For Chittenden County households, the three highest-impact earthquake preparedness actions are: (1) anchor heavy furniture and water heaters, (2) store three days of water at one gallon per person per day, and (3) identify a family reunification plan for the post-quake communication blackout period.
Regional Context
A composite score 27.5 points above the Vermont state average puts Chittenden County in a higher-risk category than most counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Chittenden County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Chittenden County, VT?
What types of natural hazards affect Chittenden County?
How does Chittenden County risk compare to the Vermont average?
Is Chittenden County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Chittenden 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.