Washington County, New York Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · NY
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 57th
Washington County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 56.6, 57th national percentile), driven primarily by landslide and lightning exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $19M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Washington County at low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 56.6 out of 100 — placing it in the 57th 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 landslide (downhill movement of rock, soil, and debris on unstable slopes) at Low risk — $25K in expected annual loss and about 1.21 events per year; lightning (electrical discharges from storms that ignite fires and cause casualties) at Medium risk — $730K in expected annual loss and about 24.86 events per year; and hurricane (tropical cyclones bringing extreme wind, rain, and storm surge) at Low risk — $782K in expected annual loss and about 0.05 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $19M in expected annual loss for a population of 61K.
Beyond physical exposure, Washington County has a low 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.
History supports the rating: Washington County has received 16 federal disaster declarations since 1976, including 3 for hurricane events and 3 for severe storm events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic (biological), declared in March 2020.
Among 62 New York counties, Washington County ranks #46 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Landslide | Low | 1.21 / yr | $25K |
| Lightning | Medium | 24.86 / yr | $730K |
| Hurricane | Low | 0.05 / yr | $782K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 2.29 / yr | $14M |
| Cold Wave | Medium | 2.70 / yr | $2M |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $444K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.40 / yr | $122K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $1K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.12 / yr | $1M |
| Heat Wave | Low | 3.14 / yr | $251K |
| Hail | Low | 2.14 / yr | $190K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 18.05 / yr | $43K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 1.18 / yr | $272K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $8K |
| 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
Washington County has received 16 federal disaster declarations since 1976, most recently Covid-19 Pandemic in March 2020. Most frequent causes: Hurricane (3), Severe Storm (3), Biological (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| October 2012 | Hurricane | Hurricane Sandy |
| August 2011 | Hurricane | Hurricane Irene |
| March 2009 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| December 2008 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| August 2004 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| August 2003 | Other | Power Outage |
| May 2002 | Earthquake | Earthquake |
Showing the 10 most recent of 16 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Washington County?
Washington County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 56.6 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 57th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Washington County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Landslide (Low, $25K EAL), Lightning (Medium, $730K EAL), Hurricane (Low, $782K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Washington County compare to other New York counties?
Washington County ranks #46 of 62 New York counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Washington County had?
FEMA records 16 federal disaster declarations for Washington County since 1976, most often 3 for hurricane 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. Washington County's $19M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.