Hamilton County, New York Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · NY
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 15th
Hamilton County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 15.1, 15th national percentile), driven primarily by landslide and avalanche exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $6M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Overall natural disaster risk in Hamilton County is very low, with a National Risk Index score of 15.1 out of 100 — placing it in the 15th national percentile and among the lowest-risk counties in the country. 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 landslide (downhill movement of rock, soil, and debris on unstable slopes) at Low risk — $9K in expected annual loss and about 2.80 events per year; avalanche (fast-moving snow and debris sliding down steep mountain slopes) at Very Low risk — $2K in expected annual loss and about 0.01 events per year; and earthquake (ground shaking from sudden movement along geologic faults) at Very Low risk — $227K in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $6M in expected annual loss for a population of 5K.
Beyond physical exposure, Hamilton 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.
The federal record bears this out: Hamilton County has received 18 federal disaster declarations since 1993, including 5 for severe storm events and 3 for hurricane events. The most recent was Severe Storm, Tornadoes, and Flooding (flood), declared in August 2024.
Among 62 New York counties, Hamilton County ranks #62 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Landslide | Low | 2.80 / yr | $9K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $2K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $227K |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $51K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 1.04 / yr | $5M |
| Winter Weather | Very Low | 30.58 / yr | $20K |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 6.58 / yr | $264K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 22.84 / yr | $46K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.11 / yr | $8K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.21 / yr | $73K |
| Strong Wind | Very Low | 0.97 / yr | $41K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 0.42 / yr | $3K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $1K |
| Hail | Very Low | 1.43 / 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
Hamilton County has received 18 federal disaster declarations since 1993, most recently Severe Storm, Tornadoes, and Flooding in August 2024. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (5), Hurricane (3), Flood (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| August 2024 | Flood | Severe Storm, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| July 2023 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| 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 |
| October 2012 | Hurricane | Hurricane Sandy |
| August 2011 | Hurricane | Hurricane Irene |
| June 2011 | Flood | Severe Storms, Flooding, Tornadoes, and Straight-Line Winds |
| December 2006 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
Showing the 10 most recent of 18 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Hamilton County?
Hamilton County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 15.1 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 15th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Hamilton County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Landslide (Low, $9K EAL), Avalanche (Very Low, $2K EAL), Earthquake (Very Low, $227K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Hamilton County compare to other New York counties?
Hamilton County ranks #62 of 62 New York counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Hamilton County had?
FEMA records 18 federal disaster declarations for Hamilton County since 1993, most often 5 for severe storm events and 3 for hurricane 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. Hamilton County's $6M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.