Natural Disaster Risk — ZIP Code 05486
South Hero, Vermont
Risk Summary for ZIP 05486
ZIP 05486 scores 3.2/10 (Low risk), below the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Hurricane.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Scores
How it compares
Live Conditions
🏠 What this means for insurance
Below-average risk — standard coverage likely adequate
Natural disaster risk here is below the US average. Standard homeowners insurance will typically be sufficient, but it is still worth reviewing exclusions for floods and earthquakes.
This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.
Natural Hazard Profile: ZIP 05486, Vermont
ZIP 05486 in South Hero sits along the northeastern Atlantic Seaboard. Its humid continental climate produces long, snowy winters and cool summers, and notably nor'easters and spring flooding from snowmelt. These conditions define the natural disaster environment for households across this ZIP code.
According to FEMA's National Risk Index, ZIP 05486 carries an overall risk score of 3.2/10, placing it in the low category. Hurricane and tropical storm exposure tops the local risk profile, with the community vulnerable to storm surge, high sustained winds, and flooding rainfall during the June–November season. The area also faces notable exposure to tsunami and volcano.
Within Vermont, ZIP 05486's risk is, considerably below the 5.1/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks below the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of Vermont identifies hurricane as the foremost hazard, followed by tsunami and volcano. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.
Despite its lower-than-average risk classification, ZIP 05486 is not immune to natural hazards. Basic preparedness — an emergency kit, awareness of seasonal risks, and property insurance that covers hurricane — remains prudent for all residents.
What this means for ZIP 05486: Hurricane preparedness
- Keep at least a week of supplies on hand; power and water service can be disrupted for days after landfall.
- Wind damage is usually covered by homeowners insurance, but storm-surge flooding requires separate flood coverage.
- Know your evacuation zone and route before hurricane season begins each June.
Risk for the surrounding area
Local Factors for ZIP 05486
These city-level factors differentiate ZIP 05486 from other communities in Vermont County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
1,500
Small TownGeographic Zone
Atlantic Coast
Hurricane, nor'easter & coastal flood risk
Climate Band
Cool Continental
Latitude 44.6°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Lower — moist climate limits wildfire frequency
Fire score: 1.6/10
Coordinates
44.6296° N, 73.3144° W
Population and coordinates from SimpleMaps US Cities data. Hazard scores from FEMA National Risk Index. Geographic classification derived from coordinates.
Recent Climate Data for ZIP 05486
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
Nearby ZIP codes
Other cities in Vermont
Data source: FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). County-level data applied to ZIP codes within each county. Scores are normalized to 1–10 across all US counties. This information is for general awareness only — consult official emergency management resources and a licensed insurer for property-specific advice.