Cortland County, New York Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · NY
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 51th
Cortland County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 51.2, 51th national percentile), driven primarily by riverine flood and landslide exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $17M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Overall natural disaster risk in Cortland County is low, with a National Risk Index score of 51.2 out of 100 — placing it in the 51st 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.
The county's risk is driven primarily by riverine flood (rivers and streams overflowing their banks after heavy rain or snowmelt) at Low risk — $14M in expected annual loss and about 1.86 events per year; landslide (downhill movement of rock, soil, and debris on unstable slopes) at Low risk — $4K in expected annual loss and about 0.42 events per year; and hurricane (tropical cyclones bringing extreme wind, rain, and storm surge) at Low risk — $194K in expected annual loss and about 0.02 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $17M in expected annual loss for a population of 47K.
Beyond physical exposure, Cortland County has a low 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: Cortland County has received 19 federal disaster declarations since 1975, including 5 for severe storm events and 4 for flood events. The most recent was Severe Storm, Tornadoes, and Flooding (flood), declared in August 2024.
Among 62 New York counties, Cortland County ranks #51 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Riverine Flood | Low | 1.86 / yr | $14M |
| Landslide | Low | 0.42 / yr | $4K |
| Hurricane | Low | 0.02 / yr | $194K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.79 / yr | $128K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 21.00 / yr | $86K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $149K |
| Lightning | Low | 29.38 / yr | $150K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.12 / yr | $781K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 3.84 / yr | $588K |
| Hail | Very Low | 2.60 / yr | $138K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $134 |
| Strong Wind | Low | 1.46 / yr | $333K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 1.68 / yr | $85K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $3K |
| 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
Cortland County has received 19 federal disaster declarations since 1975, most recently Severe Storm, Tornadoes, and Flooding in August 2024. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (5), Flood (4), Hurricane (3).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| August 2024 | Flood | Severe Storm, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| October 2021 | Hurricane | Remnants of Tropical Storm Fred |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| December 2019 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding |
| July 2017 | Snowstorm | Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm |
| July 2013 | Flood | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| October 2012 | Hurricane | Hurricane Sandy |
| September 2009 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| July 2006 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
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 Cortland County?
Cortland County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 51.2 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 51th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Cortland County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Riverine Flood (Low, $14M EAL), Landslide (Low, $4K EAL), Hurricane (Low, $194K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Cortland County compare to other New York counties?
Cortland County ranks #51 of 62 New York counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Cortland County had?
FEMA records 19 federal disaster declarations for Cortland County since 1975, most often 5 for severe storm events and 4 for flood events. The most recent was Severe Storm, Tornadoes, and Flooding, declared in August 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. Cortland County's $17M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.