Rising Concern: Most Vulnerable to Floods

Which parts of the U.S. are most vulnerable to flood damage?

To mark the start of flood season (June to Nov.), LawnStarter ranked 2024’s Counties Most at Risk for Flooding.

Comparing  940 counties with a relatively moderate to very high flood risk according to FEMA, the company considered each county’s risk and expected annual loss from riverine and coastal flooding. The  share of populations of children, elderly, and residents in mobile homes, in addition to local demand for flood insurance were factors.

The  20 counties with the highest flood risk are below, followed by key takeaways. Locally, six are in New Jersey.

Key Insights:

Gulf Coast states Florida, Louisiana, and Texas account for nearly half of the 100 most vulnerable counties to (often hurricane related) flooding. Counties in Texas and Louisiana anticipate among the highest economic impacts from riverine flooding.

Counties in Mid-Atlantic states like New Jersey, New York, and Virginia also face among the highest flood risk. 6 Garden State counties scored among the 10 counties with the highest overall Economic Impact from coastal and riverine flooding.

All counties in our ranking have at least relatively moderate flood risk, according to FEMA. Less populated counties in Upstate New York, like Warren (No. 939) and Livingston (No. 941) landed alongside Tompkins County, in last place. These counties have more moderate flood risks and with smaller populations, lower economic impact from flooding.