Chenango County, New York Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · NY
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 72th
Chenango County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 72.3, 72th national percentile), driven primarily by riverine flood and landslide exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $27M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Overall natural disaster risk in Chenango County is low, with a National Risk Index score of 72.3 out of 100 — placing it in the 72nd 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 Medium risk — $24M in expected annual loss and about 2.36 events per year; landslide (downhill movement of rock, soil, and debris on unstable slopes) at Low risk — $5K in expected annual loss and about 0.65 events per year; and hurricane (tropical cyclones bringing extreme wind, rain, and storm surge) at Low risk — $366K in expected annual loss and about 0.02 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $27M in expected annual loss for a population of 47K.
Beyond physical exposure, Chenango County has a medium social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a medium community resilience rating (its capacity to prepare for and recover from disasters). Both measures sit toward the lower end, indicating relatively modest population sensitivity.
History supports the rating: Chenango County has received 31 federal disaster declarations since 1972, including 12 for severe storm events and 5 for flood events. The most recent was Remnants of Tropical Storm Debby (tropical storm), declared in September 2024.
Among 62 New York counties, Chenango County ranks #30 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Riverine Flood | Medium | 2.36 / yr | $24M |
| Landslide | Low | 0.65 / yr | $5K |
| Hurricane | Low | 0.02 / yr | $366K |
| Winter Weather | Medium | 21.42 / yr | $99K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.60 / yr | $117K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 4.32 / yr | $1M |
| Lightning | Low | 29.25 / yr | $192K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.23 / yr | $955K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $128K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 1.34 / yr | $230K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $10K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 1.58 / yr | $93K |
| Hail | Very Low | 2.67 / yr | $60K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Drought | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Chenango County has received 31 federal disaster declarations since 1972, most recently Remnants of Tropical Storm Debby in September 2024. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (12), Flood (5), Snowstorm (4).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| September 2024 | Tropical Storm | Remnants of Tropical Storm Debby |
| August 2021 | Hurricane | Hurricane Henri |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| December 2019 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding |
| October 2018 | Flood | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| July 2017 | Snowstorm | Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm |
| July 2013 | Flood | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| October 2012 | Hurricane | Hurricane Sandy |
| September 2011 | Severe Storm | Remnants of Tropical Storm Lee |
Showing the 10 most recent of 31 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Chenango County?
Chenango County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 72.3 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 72th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Chenango County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Riverine Flood (Medium, $24M EAL), Landslide (Low, $5K EAL), Hurricane (Low, $366K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Chenango County compare to other New York counties?
Chenango County ranks #30 of 62 New York counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Chenango County had?
FEMA records 31 federal disaster declarations for Chenango County since 1972, most often 12 for severe storm events and 5 for flood events. The most recent was Remnants of Tropical Storm Debby, declared in September 2024.
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. Chenango County's $27M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.