Delaware County, New York Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · NY
MediumComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 83th
Delaware County faces medium composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 83.3, 83th national percentile), driven primarily by riverine flood and landslide exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $35M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Delaware County at medium composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 83.3 out of 100 — placing it in the 83rd national percentile and near the national midpoint for natural-disaster risk. The score blends Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across all 18 FEMA hazard types.
Most of Delaware County's expected losses come from riverine flood (rivers and streams overflowing their banks after heavy rain or snowmelt) at Medium risk — $31M in expected annual loss and about 2.29 events per year; landslide (downhill movement of rock, soil, and debris on unstable slopes) at Medium risk — $40K in expected annual loss and about 2.48 events per year; and hurricane (tropical cyclones bringing extreme wind, rain, and storm surge) at Low risk — $902K in expected annual loss and about 0.03 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $35M in expected annual loss for a population of 44K.
Beyond physical exposure, Delaware County has a very high social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a high community resilience rating (its capacity to prepare for and recover from disasters). Higher vulnerability is partly offset by strong community resilience and recovery capacity.
The county's disaster history tells the same story: Delaware County has received 39 federal disaster declarations since 1965, including 15 for severe storm events and 7 for flood events. The most recent was Remnants of Tropical Storm Debby (tropical storm), declared in September 2024.
Among 62 New York counties, Delaware County ranks #21 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Riverine Flood | Medium | 2.29 / yr | $31M |
| Landslide | Medium | 2.48 / yr | $40K |
| Hurricane | Low | 0.03 / yr | $902K |
| Winter Weather | Medium | 19.95 / yr | $102K |
| Cold Wave | Medium | 5.00 / yr | $1M |
| Avalanche | Low | 0.01 / yr | $3K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.39 / yr | $1M |
| Strong Wind | Low | 1.51 / yr | $410K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $199K |
| Lightning | Low | 28.94 / yr | $159K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.30 / yr | $42K |
| Hail | Low | 2.58 / yr | $118K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 1.11 / yr | $49K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $5K |
| 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
Delaware County has received 39 federal disaster declarations since 1965, most recently Remnants of Tropical Storm Debby in September 2024. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (15), Flood (7), Hurricane (5).
| 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 |
| October 2018 | Flood | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| July 2017 | Snowstorm | Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm |
| July 2014 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| 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 39 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Delaware County?
Delaware County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 83.3 out of 100, placing it in the Medium category and the 83th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Delaware County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Riverine Flood (Medium, $31M EAL), Landslide (Medium, $40K EAL), Hurricane (Low, $902K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Delaware County compare to other New York counties?
Delaware County ranks #21 of 62 New York counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a medium rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Delaware County had?
FEMA records 39 federal disaster declarations for Delaware County since 1965, most often 15 for severe storm events and 7 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. Delaware County's $35M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.