Chittenden County, Vermont Hazard Report | Natural Catastrophe And Climate Risk

HazardDB

Hazard Score

133 Catastrophes Recorded

Historical_Hail

120

Historical_Tornadoes

Historical_Hurricanes

Historical_Floods

Historical_Wind

113

Chittenden County, Vermont

9 Cities with a Population of 168,808, and 61,827 Households

Chittenden County in Vermont has a very low overall natural disaster risk, with a risk score of 39.10 and a risk rating of Very Low. The county's most significant hazards include hailstorms, thunderstorms, and winter storms with relatively low to moderate risk ratings. The area is prone to lightning strikes, flooding, and wind events, which have caused occasional damage in the past. Chittenden County's climate factors, including its location in the northeastern United States and proximity to the Great Lakes, contribute to its diverse weather patterns and potential for extreme weather events.

The county's geological features, such as Lake Champlain to the west and the Green Mountains to the east, can impact hazard risk. The presence of fault lines and mountain peaks in the region may increase the likelihood of seismic activity and landslides. Chittenden County's coastline along Lake Champlain could also be susceptible to storm surges and flooding events, especially during severe weather conditions. These factors, combined with the county's population density and built environment, underscore the importance of comprehensive disaster preparedness and mitigation efforts.

While Chittenden County has a relatively low historical frequency of natural disasters, the area's vulnerability to certain hazards like hailstorms and winter storms should not be underestimated. It is crucial for local authorities and residents to stay informed about potential risks, implement resilient infrastructure, and have emergency plans in place. By leveraging scientific data, community engagement, and risk assessment tools, Chittenden County can proactively address climate-related challenges and enhance its overall resilience to natural disasters.

Wildfire Risk: Very Low

Tornado Risk: Very Low

Hurricane Risk: Low

Hail Risk: Low

Flood Risk: Low

Tsunami Risk: Very Low

Earthquake Risk: Very Low

Wind Risk: Low

HAZARDS

37

Power Transmission Lines

0

Coastlines

14

Water Bodies

0

Fault Lines

EMERGENCY SERVICES

75

Hazard Shelters

24

Fire Stations

1

Hospitals

12

Police Stations

COMMUNITY PROFILE

Chittenden County, located in Vermont, has a population of 168,808 with a population density of 272.3 per square mile. The population has increased from 156,545 in 2010, with a growth rate of approximately 7.8%. The county is predominantly White, with 85.7% of the population identifying as White, followed by 2% Black, 2.5% Asian, and 1.7% Hispanic. The median age in Chittenden County is 36.2, with a slightly higher percentage of females (47.5%) compared to males (45.2%). The average household size is 2.37, with 49.2% of households being family households.

Compared to other counties in Vermont, Chittenden County stands out as the most populous and densely populated county in the state. It also has a more diverse population with higher percentages of Asian and Hispanic residents compared to some of the other counties. Additionally, Chittenden County has a higher median age and a larger percentage of family households compared to the state average. The county also has a significant number of farms, with 587 farms in 2012 and 585 farms in 2017, showcasing a strong agricultural presence in the region.

Regions

CLIMATE OVERVIEW

Average Temperature

8 °F Cold

Average Precipitation

943 mm Moderate

Average Humidity

76% Moderately High

Plant Hardiness

Hailstorm

2009-06-26

Flooding

Flooding

Dashboard