Natural Disaster Risk in South Strafford
Vermont
Risk Summary for South Strafford
South Strafford scores 4.9/10 (Moderate risk), near the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Avalanche.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Scores
How it compares
Live Conditions
🏠 What this means for insurance
Average risk — standard coverage usually sufficient
This area carries average natural disaster risk. A standard homeowners or renters policy should cover common events, but review the exclusions for floods and earthquakes, which are almost never included by default.
This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.
Natural Hazard Profile: South Strafford, Vermont
South Strafford is a small community of about 510 in Orange County, along the northeastern Atlantic Seaboard. The area experiences long, snowy winters and cool summers, with nor'easters and spring flooding from snowmelt shaping the pattern of natural hazards that residents encounter. Understanding the local risk profile is essential for anyone living in, moving to, or owning property in South Strafford.
FEMA rates South Strafford's composite natural disaster risk at 4.9 out of 10 — moderate risk. Snow avalanche exposure tops the local risk profile, with the area's mountain setting and annual snowfall loading producing regular avalanche cycles on steep slopes. Residents should also account for landslide and hurricane risk in their preparedness planning.
South Strafford's risk score, near the 5.1/10 state average and near the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Orange County, the highest-scoring are avalanche, landslide, and hurricane. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.
With a moderate risk rating, South Strafford residents are well-served by maintaining standard preparedness practices — an emergency supply kit, awareness of local hazard seasonality, and insurance that covers the top local risks. Periodic review of coverage for avalanche is recommended.
What this means for South Strafford: Avalanche preparedness
- Check avalanche forecasts before backcountry travel and carry a beacon, probe, and shovel.
- Be aware of slope angles and recent snow loading, which drive avalanche risk.
- Properties in runout zones may require specialized hazard assessment and insurance.
Local Factors for South Strafford
These city-level factors differentiate South Strafford from other communities in Orange County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
510
RuralGeographic Zone
Atlantic Coast
Hurricane, nor'easter & coastal flood risk
Climate Band
Cool Continental
Latitude 43.8°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Lower — moist climate limits wildfire frequency
Fire score: 2.7/10
Coordinates
43.8422° N, 72.3510° W
Orange County
Population and coordinates from SimpleMaps US Cities data. Hazard scores from FEMA National Risk Index. Geographic classification derived from coordinates.
Recent Climate Data for South Strafford
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in South Strafford
Other cities in Vermont
Data source: FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Scores normalized to 1–10 across all US counties. City scores inherit county-level FEMA data. For informational purposes only.