Livingston County, New York Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · NY
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 56th
Livingston County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 56.4, 56th national percentile), driven primarily by riverine flood and drought exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $18M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Livingston County carries a low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 56.4 out of 100 — placing it in the 56th 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 — $15M in expected annual loss and about 1.32 events per year; drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Medium risk — $408K in expected annual loss and about 2.38 events per year; and ice storm (freezing rain that coats surfaces in heavy, damaging ice) at Medium risk — $161K in expected annual loss and about 0.96 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $18M in expected annual loss for a population of 62K.
Beyond physical exposure, Livingston 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: Livingston County has received 20 federal disaster declarations since 1972, including 5 for severe storm events and 3 for flood events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic (biological), declared in March 2020.
Among 62 New York counties, Livingston County ranks #47 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Riverine Flood | Medium | 1.32 / yr | $15M |
| Drought | Medium | 2.38 / yr | $408K |
| Ice Storm | Medium | 0.96 / yr | $161K |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.03 / yr | $150K |
| Hail | Low | 1.29 / yr | $295K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.23 / yr | $1K |
| Lightning | Low | 29.73 / yr | $227K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 1.61 / yr | $517K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 3.32 / yr | $705K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $161K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.08 / yr | $833K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 3.32 / yr | $204K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 16.05 / yr | $35K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $116 |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $6K |
| 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
Livingston County has received 20 federal disaster declarations since 1972, most recently Covid-19 Pandemic in March 2020. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (5), Flood (3), Snowstorm (3).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| July 2014 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| October 2012 | Hurricane | Hurricane Sandy |
| 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 |
| August 2003 | Other | Power Outage |
| May 2003 | Severe Ice Storm | Ice Storm |
Showing the 10 most recent of 20 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Livingston County?
Livingston County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 56.4 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 56th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Livingston County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Riverine Flood (Medium, $15M EAL), Drought (Medium, $408K EAL), Ice Storm (Medium, $161K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Livingston County compare to other New York counties?
Livingston County ranks #47 of 62 New York counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Livingston County had?
FEMA records 20 federal disaster declarations for Livingston County since 1972, most often 5 for severe storm events and 3 for flood 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. Livingston County's $18M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.