Steuben County, New York Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · NY
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 77th
Steuben County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 76.9, 77th national percentile), driven primarily by riverine flood and landslide exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $33M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Overall natural disaster risk in Steuben County is low, with a National Risk Index score of 76.9 out of 100 — placing it in the 77th 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 — $28M in expected annual loss and about 2.11 events per year; landslide (downhill movement of rock, soil, and debris on unstable slopes) at Low risk — $15K in expected annual loss and about 1.28 events per year; and lightning (electrical discharges from storms that ignite fires and cause casualties) at Medium risk — $566K in expected annual loss and about 30.10 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $33M in expected annual loss for a population of 94K.
Beyond physical exposure, Steuben 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: Steuben County has received 24 federal disaster declarations since 1972, including 8 for severe storm events and 6 for flood events. The most recent was Remnants of Tropical Storm Debby (tropical storm), declared in September 2024.
Among 62 New York counties, Steuben County ranks #26 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Riverine Flood | Medium | 2.11 / yr | $28M |
| Landslide | Low | 1.28 / yr | $15K |
| Lightning | Medium | 30.10 / yr | $566K |
| Hurricane | Low | 0.03 / yr | $541K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.25 / yr | $1M |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 1.61 / yr | $596K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 3.32 / yr | $1M |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $894 |
| Drought | Low | 0.92 / yr | $192K |
| Hail | Low | 1.55 / yr | $223K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.25 / yr | $67K |
| Heat Wave | Low | 2.58 / yr | $254K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $125K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 14.05 / yr | $32K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $13K |
| 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
Steuben County has received 24 federal disaster declarations since 1972, most recently Remnants of Tropical Storm Debby in September 2024. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (8), Flood (6), Hurricane (3).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| September 2024 | Tropical Storm | Remnants of Tropical Storm Debby |
| October 2021 | Hurricane | Remnants of Tropical Storm Fred |
| 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 |
| October 2004 | Severe Storm | Tropical Depression Ivan |
| October 2004 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
Showing the 10 most recent of 24 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Steuben County?
Steuben County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 76.9 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 77th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Steuben County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Riverine Flood (Medium, $28M EAL), Landslide (Low, $15K EAL), Lightning (Medium, $566K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Steuben County compare to other New York counties?
Steuben County ranks #26 of 62 New York counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Steuben County had?
FEMA records 24 federal disaster declarations for Steuben County since 1972, most often 8 for severe storm events and 6 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. Steuben County's $33M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.