Schenectady County, New York Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · NY
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 71th
Schenectady County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 71.3, 71th national percentile), driven primarily by riverine flood and ice storm exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $32M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Schenectady County carries a low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 71.3 out of 100 — placing it in the 71st 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 Medium risk — $24M in expected annual loss and about 1.96 events per year; ice storm (freezing rain that coats surfaces in heavy, damaging ice) at Medium risk — $345K in expected annual loss and about 0.70 events per year; and hurricane (tropical cyclones bringing extreme wind, rain, and storm surge) at Low risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 0.04 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $32M in expected annual loss for a population of 158K.
Beyond physical exposure, Schenectady 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: Schenectady County has received 25 federal disaster declarations since 1987, including 8 for severe storm events and 5 for hurricane events. The most recent was Hurricane Henri (hurricane), declared in August 2021.
Among 62 New York counties, Schenectady County ranks #31 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Riverine Flood | Medium | 1.96 / yr | $24M |
| Ice Storm | Medium | 0.70 / yr | $345K |
| Hurricane | Low | 0.04 / yr | $1M |
| Lightning | Medium | 26.40 / yr | $612K |
| Tornado | Medium | 0.04 / yr | $3M |
| Earthquake | Low | 0.00 / yr | $729K |
| Heat Wave | Low | 3.30 / yr | $558K |
| Hail | Low | 2.52 / yr | $263K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 1.30 / yr | $567K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 17.20 / yr | $64K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 2.55 / yr | $912K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.09 / yr | $455 |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $9K |
| 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
Schenectady County has received 25 federal disaster declarations since 1987, most recently Hurricane Henri in August 2021. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (8), Hurricane (5), Snowstorm (5).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| August 2021 | Hurricane | Hurricane Henri |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| July 2017 | Snowstorm | Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm |
| October 2012 | Hurricane | Hurricane Sandy |
| September 2011 | Severe Storm | Remnants of Tropical Storm Lee |
| September 2011 | Severe Storm | Remnants of Tropical Storm Lee |
| August 2011 | Hurricane | Hurricane Irene |
| March 2009 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| December 2008 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
Showing the 10 most recent of 25 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Schenectady County?
Schenectady County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 71.3 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 71th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Schenectady County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Riverine Flood (Medium, $24M EAL), Ice Storm (Medium, $345K EAL), Hurricane (Low, $1M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Schenectady County compare to other New York counties?
Schenectady County ranks #31 of 62 New York counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Schenectady County had?
FEMA records 25 federal disaster declarations for Schenectady County since 1987, most often 8 for severe storm events and 5 for hurricane events. The most recent was Hurricane Henri, declared in August 2021.
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. Schenectady County's $32M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.