Rutland County Disaster Risk
Rutland County, Vermont
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
50th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#6
of 14 (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 23% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 26% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 58% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 70% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Rutland County, Vermont
Rutland County faces moderate hazards
Rutland County's composite risk score of 50.48 and "Relatively Low" rating place it above the national average but within manageable disaster risk. The county's exposure spans multiple hazard types, with particular vulnerability to flooding, hurricanes, and earthquakes.
Mid-range risk among Vermont counties
Rutland County's 50.48 score sits 38% above Vermont's state average of 36.44, positioning it in the state's moderate-risk tier. It faces notably higher exposure than Orange and Orleans counties but lower than southern Vermont's Windham and Windsor counties.
Riskier than Orange, safer than southern neighbors
Rutland County presents moderate risk compared to its neighbors: Orange County (26.43) is significantly safer, while Windham County (56.93) and Windsor County (61.58) carry higher composite risks. Washington County (52.23) ranks slightly above Rutland in overall exposure.
Flood, hurricane, and earthquake concerns
Flood risk (67.30), hurricane risk (70.05), and earthquake risk (58.24) represent Rutland County's three most serious natural disaster threats. Tornado risk (25.83) also warrants attention, particularly during spring and early summer months when atmospheric conditions become unstable.
Comprehensive multi-hazard protection needed
Rutland County residents should secure flood insurance, earthquake coverage, and robust wind protection given the county's diversified risk profile. A thorough home audit for structural vulnerabilities to earthquakes and tornados, combined with reinforced roof systems, strengthens disaster resilience significantly.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Rutland County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Rutland County
Risk Verdict
Rutland County sits below the national average for natural disaster exposure, ranking at the 50th percentile across all U.S. counties. Understanding the specific hazards behind Rutland County's ranking helps residents prioritize where to direct emergency planning efforts.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Rutland County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 70th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 67th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (58th percentile), tornado (26th percentile), wildfire (23th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 70th percentile nationally for hurricane risk, Rutland County is in a zone where flood insurance matters beyond the primary wind risk: NFIP flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period before taking effect, making off-season enrollment the correct timing. Flood at the 67th percentile nationally is Rutland County's secondary hazard, often intensified by the same weather systems that produce hurricane conditions. For Rutland County households, the hurricane preparedness calendar matters: flood insurance has a 30-day waiting period, wind-hardening retrofits take weeks to schedule, and evacuation route scouting is best done before a storm watch is issued.
Regional Context
A composite score 14.0 points above the Vermont state average puts Rutland County in a higher-risk category than most counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Rutland County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Rutland County, VT?
What types of natural hazards affect Rutland County?
How does Rutland County risk compare to the Vermont average?
Is Rutland County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Rutland 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.