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FEMA NRI 1.19.0Updated Nov 2023 · Coverage 2014–2023Methodology

Windsor County Disaster Risk

Windsor County, Vermont

FEMA Risk Rating

Relatively Low

National Percentile

62th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#2

of 14 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

77th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 77% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Very Low

Higher than 27% 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 54% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 73% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Windsor County, Vermont

Windsor County's significant disaster exposure

Windsor County's composite risk score of 61.58 and "Relatively Low" rating substantially exceed the national average, indicating the county faces notable disaster risks across multiple hazard categories. Eastern Vermont's geography and storm exposure create particular vulnerability to flooding and wind events.

Highest-risk county in Vermont

Windsor County's 61.58 score ranks it 69% above Vermont's state average of 36.44, making it the most hazard-exposed county in the state. This southeastern location concentrates risks from hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, and earthquakes above all neighboring counties.

Significantly riskier than all peers

Windsor County faces substantially higher composite risk than every other Vermont county: Orange (26.43), Orleans (36.83), Rutland (50.48), Washington (52.23), and Windham (56.93). This clear separation makes Windsor Connecticut River valley's most disaster-vulnerable region.

Flooding and hurricanes create urgent threats

Flood risk (76.72) and hurricane risk (72.97) represent Windsor County's two defining disaster threats, with tornado risk (30.09) and wildfire risk (26.94) contributing additional significant exposure. The county's river valleys and exposed elevation zones create compounded vulnerability to water and wind events.

Maximum insurance coverage recommended

Windsor County residents face the state's highest disaster risk and should prioritize comprehensive flood insurance, robust wind coverage, and earthquake protection with minimal gaps. Professional structural assessments, flood-resistant construction measures, and regular emergency preparedness planning are critical investments given the county's elevated exposure across multiple hazard types.

Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Windsor County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    FloodPrepare
    77th percentile
  2. #2
    HurricanePrepare
    73th percentile
  3. #3
    EarthquakePrepare
    54th percentile

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)

Local Resources

Risk Advisory: Windsor County

Risk Verdict

At the 62th percentile nationally, Windsor County experiences a manageable level of natural hazard risk that falls below the U.S. median. Windsor County's risk profile calls for targeted preparedness, focusing on the hazard categories that dominate the county's score.

Hazard Breakdown

Flood risk is Windsor County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 77th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 73th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (54th percentile), tornado (30th percentile), wildfire (27th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Windsor County's dominant hazard is flooding, ranked at the 77th percentile nationally. In addition to flood insurance, residents should identify their nearest evacuation shelter and store key documents in waterproof containers. Secondary hurricane exposure at the 73th percentile adds a second preparedness layer; households should review coverage options and alert sign-up for both hazard types. Windsor County's county emergency management office publishes hazard-specific guidance tailored to local conditions; bookmarking that resource and the county's alert system is a practical first step for any household.

Regional Context

Windsor County falls 25.1 points above Vermont's typical county risk level, which means the hazard environment here is notably more demanding than the state baseline.

Is your household prepared for Windsor County's hazards?

Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.

FEMA Ready Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the natural disaster risk in Windsor County, VT?
Windsor County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Relatively Low, placing it in the 62th percentile nationally out of 3,144 counties. This composite score reflects the county's overall exposure to natural hazards including floods, wildfires, tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes, weighted by expected annual loss and social vulnerability.
What types of natural hazards affect Windsor County?
Windsor County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: flooding (77th percentile), hurricane (73th percentile), earthquake (54th percentile), tornado (30th percentile), wildfire (27th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is flooding at the 77th percentile nationally. These scores are derived from FEMA's National Risk Index, which analyzes expected annual loss, social vulnerability, and community resilience for each hazard type.
How does Windsor County risk compare to the Vermont average?
Windsor County's composite risk percentile is 62th, compared to the Vermont state average of 36th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Very Low. This means Windsor County faces higher natural disaster risk than the typical county in Vermont.
Is Windsor County at risk for flooding?
Yes, Windsor County's flooding risk is at the 77th percentile nationally. This places it in the top quartile for this hazard type.
How is natural disaster risk measured?
FEMA's National Risk Index (NRI) calculates risk scores for 18 natural hazard types across all U.S. counties and census tracts. The composite score combines Expected Annual Loss (estimated dollar losses from each hazard), Social Vulnerability (demographic factors affecting disaster impact), and Community Resilience (ability to recover). Percentile scores rank each county against all 3,144 U.S. counties, and risk ratings range from Very Low to Very High.
Why is Windsor County higher risk than average?
Windsor County's composite risk score of 62th percentile is above the Vermont state average of 36th percentile. This elevated risk is driven by flooding exposure (77th percentile), along with hurricane and earthquake risk. Geographic location, terrain, climate patterns, and proximity to flood zones or fault lines all influence a county's risk profile.

Counties with Similar Risk

Chittenden County

Vermont

+2.3

Relatively Low

64th percentile

Windham County

Vermont

-4.6

Relatively Low

57th percentile

Bennington County

Vermont

-9.3

Relatively Low

52th percentile

By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

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.

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