New York Water Damage Risk Report
County-by-county water damage risk across New York, from FEMA's National Risk Index (December 2025) and NOAA precipitation data (1991–2020). Data: FEMA, NOAA.
Summary
Water damage risk varies sharply across New York's counties. Coastal counties face hurricane and storm-surge flooding, while inland areas contend with riverine flooding and winter freeze damage. This report compiles FEMA National Risk Index ratings (December 2025) and NOAA precipitation normals (1991–2020) for every county in our coverage area. Data: FEMA, NOAA.
Key Findings
Highest Flood Risk
Bronx, Kings, Nassau counties rate highest for riverine flooding (FEMA, Dec 2025).
Highest Hurricane Risk
Bronx, Kings, Nassau counties face the greatest hurricane risk (FEMA, Dec 2025).
Highest Freeze Risk
Bronx, Kings, New York counties rate highest for cold wave damage (FEMA, Dec 2025).
County Risk Table
Sortable. Click headers to sort. Data: FEMA National Risk Index (December 2025), NOAA (1991–2020).
| County | Population | Flood Risk | Hurricane Risk | Freeze Risk | Annual Precip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bronx County | 1,404,779 | Relatively High | Relatively High | Very High | 47.0" |
| Kings County | 2,631,580 | Relatively High | Relatively High | Very High | 46.9" |
| Nassau County | 1,389,591 | Relatively High | Relatively High | Relatively High | 45.6" |
| New York County | 1,629,477 | Relatively High | Relatively High | Very High | 47.2" |
| Putnam County | 98,107 | Relatively Low | Relatively Low | Relatively Moderate | 48.3" |
| Queens County | 2,323,052 | Relatively High | Relatively High | Very High | 46.5" |
| Richmond County | 494,956 | Relatively Moderate | Relatively Moderate | Relatively High | 47.6" |
| Rockland County | 341,883 | Relatively Moderate | Relatively Moderate | Relatively High | 48.3" |
| Suffolk County | 1,530,146 | Relatively High | Relatively High | Relatively High | 45.5" |
| Westchester County | 999,677 | Relatively High | Relatively High | Relatively High | 48.3" |
Top 10 Counties By Risk
Top 10: Riverine Flooding
- Bronx County — Relatively High
- Kings County — Relatively High
- Nassau County — Relatively High
- New York County — Relatively High
- Queens County — Relatively High
- Suffolk County — Relatively High
- Westchester County — Relatively High
- Richmond County — Relatively Moderate
- Rockland County — Relatively Moderate
- Putnam County — Relatively Low
Top 10: Hurricane
- Bronx County — Relatively High
- Kings County — Relatively High
- Nassau County — Relatively High
- New York County — Relatively High
- Queens County — Relatively High
- Suffolk County — Relatively High
- Westchester County — Relatively High
- Richmond County — Relatively Moderate
- Rockland County — Relatively Moderate
- Putnam County — Relatively Low
Top 10: Cold Wave & Freeze
- Bronx County — Very High
- Kings County — Very High
- New York County — Very High
- Queens County — Very High
- Nassau County — Relatively High
- Richmond County — Relatively High
- Rockland County — Relatively High
- Suffolk County — Relatively High
- Westchester County — Relatively High
- Putnam County — Relatively Moderate
How To Use This Data
If you live in a high-risk county, know your water shutoff valve location, keep gutters clear, and consider a sump pump with battery backup. Check FEMA flood maps for your address. This data helps you understand risk, not predict specific events.
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