Washington County Disaster Risk
Washington County, Vermont
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
52th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#5
of 14 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
71th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 71% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 19% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 14% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 52% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 67% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Washington County, Vermont
Washington County's elevated disaster risks
Washington County's composite risk score of 52.23 and "Relatively Low" rating exceed the national average, indicating above-typical exposure to natural hazards. The county's central Vermont location exposes it to flooding, hurricanes, and moderate earthquake risk.
Third-riskiest county in Vermont
Washington County's 52.23 score ranks it 43% above Vermont's state average of 36.44 and third-highest in statewide risk. Only Windham (56.93) and Windsor (61.58) counties carry greater composite disaster exposure in Vermont.
Notably riskier than northern counties
Washington County faces substantially higher risk than Orange County (26.43) and Orleans County (36.83), though it ranks slightly below Rutland County (50.48). Southern neighbors Windham and Windsor counties both present higher risk profiles, making Washington a moderate-hazard transitional zone.
Flooding emerges as primary threat
Flood risk (70.90) dominates Washington County's hazard landscape, with hurricane risk (67.33) and earthquake risk (52.42) forming a secondary tier of concern. Tornado risk (13.93) and wildfire risk (19.12) remain comparatively manageable in this central Vermont region.
Prioritize flood and wind insurance
Washington County residents must secure standalone flood insurance and comprehensive hurricane coverage, as standard homeowners policies exclude flood damage. Properties in or near flood-prone areas warrant elevation assessments and water-resistant construction improvements to minimize disaster financial impact.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Washington County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Washington County
Risk Verdict
With a national percentile rank of 52th, Washington County faces below-average hazard exposure relative to U.S. counties as a whole. Above-average risk does not mean imminent danger; it signals that informed, hazard-specific preparedness has high value here.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Washington County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 71th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 67th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (52th percentile), wildfire (19th percentile), tornado (14th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With flood risk ranking at the 71th percentile nationally, Washington County residents face one of the most financially damaging hazards without specialized coverage. Flood insurance through the NFIP or a private carrier is worth evaluating regardless of current mortgage requirements. The county's second-ranked hazard, hurricane at the 67th percentile nationally, means Washington County residents face compounding risks from multiple natural hazard types during peak seasons. Registering for Washington County's county emergency alert system — typically through the county emergency management office's website — ensures households receive early warning when flood events develop faster than forecast.
Regional Context
At 15.8 points above the Vermont state average, Washington County carries meaningfully higher natural disaster exposure than a typical Vermont county.
Is your household prepared for Washington County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Washington County, VT?
What types of natural hazards affect Washington County?
How does Washington County risk compare to the Vermont average?
Is Washington County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Washington 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.