Chemung County, New York Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · NY
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 55th
Chemung County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 54.8, 55th national percentile), driven primarily by riverine flood and hurricane exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $18M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Chemung County carries a low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 54.8 out of 100 — placing it in the 55th national percentile and below the national average for natural-disaster risk. The score blends Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across all 18 FEMA hazard types.
Risk here concentrates in riverine flood (rivers and streams overflowing their banks after heavy rain or snowmelt) at Low risk — $14M in expected annual loss and about 1.43 events per year; hurricane (tropical cyclones bringing extreme wind, rain, and storm surge) at Low risk — $413K in expected annual loss and about 0.03 events per year; and landslide (downhill movement of rock, soil, and debris on unstable slopes) at Low risk — $4K in expected annual loss and about 0.41 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $18M in expected annual loss for a population of 84K.
Beyond physical exposure, Chemung County has a medium social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a very high community resilience rating (its capacity to prepare for and recover from disasters). A less vulnerable population paired with strong resilience helps the community absorb and recover from events.
History supports the rating: Chemung County has received 19 federal disaster declarations since 1972, including 6 for flood events and 5 for severe storm events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic (biological), declared in March 2020.
Among 62 New York counties, Chemung County ranks #50 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Riverine Flood | Low | 1.43 / yr | $14M |
| Hurricane | Low | 0.03 / yr | $413K |
| Landslide | Low | 0.41 / yr | $4K |
| Lightning | Medium | 30.81 / yr | $312K |
| Heat Wave | Low | 3.16 / yr | $480K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.10 / yr | $1M |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $585 |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $177K |
| Drought | Low | 0.88 / yr | $78K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 1.51 / yr | $393K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.34 / yr | $47K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 3.26 / yr | $497K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 13.37 / yr | $26K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $9K |
| Hail | Very Low | 1.95 / yr | $77K |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Chemung County has received 19 federal disaster declarations since 1972, most recently Covid-19 Pandemic in March 2020. Most frequent causes: Flood (6), Severe Storm (5), Biological (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| October 2018 | Flood | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| October 2012 | Hurricane | Hurricane Sandy |
| September 2011 | Severe Storm | Remnants of Tropical Storm Lee |
| September 2011 | Severe Storm | Remnants of Tropical Storm Lee |
| June 2011 | Flood | Severe Storms, Flooding, Tornadoes, and Straight-Line Winds |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| August 2004 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| August 2003 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes |
Showing the 10 most recent of 19 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Chemung County?
Chemung County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 54.8 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 55th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Chemung County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Riverine Flood (Low, $14M EAL), Hurricane (Low, $413K EAL), Landslide (Low, $4K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Chemung County compare to other New York counties?
Chemung County ranks #50 of 62 New York counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Chemung County had?
FEMA records 19 federal disaster declarations for Chemung County since 1972, most often 6 for flood events and 5 for severe storm events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic, declared in March 2020.
What does Expected Annual Loss (EAL) mean?
EAL is FEMA's estimate of average annual dollar losses from natural hazards, calculated from historical event data and exposure models. Chemung County's $18M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.