Orange County Disaster Risk
Orange County, Vermont
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
26th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#11
of 14 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
50th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 50% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 17% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 13% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 38% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 65% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Orange County, Vermont
Orange County's natural disaster risk
Orange County's composite risk score of 26.43 ranks it among the safest counties in America, well below the national average. Its "Very Low" risk rating reflects manageable exposure to most natural hazards, though certain risks like hurricanes and earthquakes still warrant attention.
Safest county in Vermont
Orange County's 26.43 score significantly outperforms Vermont's state average of 36.44, making it the lowest-risk county in the state. This 28% advantage over the statewide average reflects the county's relative protection from the region's most common natural hazards.
Lower risk than neighboring counties
Orange County's risk profile is substantially safer than its neighbors: Washington County (52.23), Windsor County (61.58), and Orleans County (36.83). Only Orleans County comes close to Orange's protective position, but Orange still maintains a clear advantage across most hazard types.
Hurricanes and earthquakes top concerns
Hurricane risk (65.46) and earthquake risk (37.79) represent Orange County's two most significant natural disaster threats. While flood risk sits at 50.00 and wildfire risk at just 17.18, residents in the county's river corridors should remain particularly attentive to seasonal flooding patterns.
Insurance that matches your risks
Homeowners in Orange County should prioritize comprehensive coverage that includes hurricane and earthquake protection, even though overall risk is low. Standard homeowners policies often exclude earthquake damage, so a separate policy or endorsement is essential for this region.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Orange County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Orange County
Risk Verdict
At the 26th percentile nationally, Orange County experiences relatively limited natural hazard pressure compared to most of the country. At the 26th percentile, Orange County's risk profile is among the more manageable in the country — the hazard-specific breakdown above shows where any remaining preparedness focus is best directed.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Orange County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 65th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 50th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (38th percentile), wildfire (17th percentile), tornado (13th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Orange County ranks at the 65th 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. Orange County's flood exposure at the 50th percentile nationally adds a hazard layer that can persist or intensify after hurricane-force winds have passed, particularly in low-lying inland areas. For extended post-storm outages common in Orange 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
A composite score 10.0 points below the Vermont state average puts Orange County in a better-than-typical position relative to neighboring counties.
Is your household prepared for Orange County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Orange County, VT?
What types of natural hazards affect Orange County?
How does Orange County risk compare to the Vermont average?
Is Orange County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Orange 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.