Schuyler County, New York Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · NY
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 16th
Schuyler County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 16.3, 16th national percentile), driven primarily by drought and hurricane exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $6M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Schuyler County at very low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 16.3 out of 100 — placing it in the 16th 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.
Most of Schuyler County's expected losses come from drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Medium risk — $393K in expected annual loss and about 2.77 events per year; hurricane (tropical cyclones bringing extreme wind, rain, and storm surge) at Very Low risk — $153K in expected annual loss and about 0.02 events per year; and ice storm (freezing rain that coats surfaces in heavy, damaging ice) at Low risk — $99K in expected annual loss and about 0.26 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $6M in expected annual loss for a population of 18K.
Beyond physical exposure, Schuyler County has a medium 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). A less vulnerable population paired with strong resilience helps the community absorb and recover from events.
The county's disaster history tells the same story: Schuyler County has received 15 federal disaster declarations since 1970, including 4 for flood events and 3 for severe storm events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic (biological), declared in March 2020.
Among 62 New York counties, Schuyler County ranks #61 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Drought | Medium | 2.77 / yr | $393K |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.02 / yr | $153K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.26 / yr | $99K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.20 / yr | $2K |
| Hail | Low | 2.05 / yr | $187K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 0.64 / yr | $4M |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $180 |
| Lightning | Low | 29.95 / yr | $99K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.06 / yr | $275K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 3.05 / yr | $60K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $26K |
| Strong Wind | Very Low | 1.63 / yr | $127K |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 3.26 / yr | $96K |
| Winter Weather | Very Low | 13.47 / yr | $7K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $2K |
| 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
Schuyler County has received 15 federal disaster declarations since 1970, most recently Covid-19 Pandemic in March 2020. Most frequent causes: Flood (4), Severe Storm (3), Biological (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| October 2018 | Flood | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| October 2012 | Hurricane | Hurricane Sandy |
| 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 |
| September 2001 | Fire | Fires and Explosions |
| October 2000 | Other | West Nile Virus |
Showing the 10 most recent of 15 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Schuyler County?
Schuyler County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 16.3 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 16th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Schuyler County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Drought (Medium, $393K EAL), Hurricane (Very Low, $153K EAL), Ice Storm (Low, $99K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Schuyler County compare to other New York counties?
Schuyler County ranks #61 of 62 New York counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Schuyler County had?
FEMA records 15 federal disaster declarations for Schuyler County since 1970, most often 4 for flood events and 3 for severe storm 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. Schuyler County's $6M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.