On FEMA’s figures, Castleton-on-Hudson faces more hazard damage per building than 83% of U.S. towns, mostly from river and rain flooding
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Castleton-on-Hudson gets a C− for hazard risk: higher expected damage per building than 83% of U.S. towns. Most of that expected damage is river and rain flooding (94%). Flood insurance has paid 13 claims here since 1996.
Graded on FEMA’s expected yearly building damage per dollar of building value (NRI v1.20, December 2025), weighted by where residents live; flood claims are shown, not graded. How hazard risk is graded
What Castleton-on-Hudson faces
Each hazard’s share of the building damage FEMA expects here, and how its rate compares with the rest of the country.
River and rain flooding
Shares are of FEMA’s expected building damage, the measure the grade uses; ranks compare each hazard’s building-damage rate with all 85,154 U.S. census tracts. In FEMA’s terms, river and rain flooding is FEMA’s “Inland Flooding” (rivers and streams overflowing their banks, or rain overwhelming drainage). FEMA defines coastal flooding as high or rising tides and storm surge, so surge damage is counted there. Drought isn’t listed: FEMA counts its losses in crops only.
What’s behind Castleton-on-Hudson’s grade
River and rain flooding is 94% of the building damage FEMA expects in Castleton-on-Hudson, and Castleton-on-Hudson’s rate of river and rain flooding damage is in the top 8% of U.S. census tracts.
C− higher expected damage per building than 83% of U.S. towns (21,298).
All of Castleton-on-Hudson’s residents live in one census tract; the figures are that tract’s.
In dollars, FEMA expects about $718K a year in losses across Castleton-on-Hudson: $633K to buildings, the rest to people and crops.
Does Castleton-on-Hudson flood? Sometimes: 13 flood claims since 1996
Every paid claim on a federal flood insurance policy in Castleton-on-Hudson, from FEMA’s records: 17.2 per 1,000 homes, more than 82% of the 13,809 U.S. towns with a flood insurance record.
- The April 2007 nor’easter1 claim · $3K
Castleton-on-Hudson isn’t in FEMA’s Community Rating System, which cuts flood insurance up to 45% in towns that do extra flood-proofing.
Insurance rates: Rensselaer County.2 federal disasters brought FEMA money to Castleton-on-Hudson
Disasters that paid out in Castleton-on-Hudson itself (aid to households or repair grants to the Village of Castleton-on-Hudson), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2011Hurricane Irene10 households applied for aid$30K aid approved
- 2003Severe Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes1 households applied for aid$263 aid approved
Rensselaer County has had 21 natural disasters declared by the President since 1953, most often severe storms, then hurricanes and tropical storms. Not counted: the 2005 Hurricane Katrina evacuee emergency, which covered counties that took in evacuees; the 2001 World Trade Center declarations.
Old photos of Castleton-on-Hudson after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the Castleton-on-Hudson archive →Get ready for what Castleton-on-Hudson faces
A short kit for the hazards that drive the building damage here, what to check before you buy, and where neighbors get alerts.
- Turn around at flooded roads: a foot of moving water can carry off a car.
- Flood insurance usually takes 30 days to start, so buy it before the forecast.
- Keep papers and medicines up high, in a grab-and-go bag.
- Look up the address on FEMA’s flood map.
- Ask the seller or landlord whether it has ever flooded, and what flood insurance costs there.
- Get a flood insurance quote early: policies usually start 30 days after you buy.
Know where neighbors sign up for alerts? Add it to the Handbook so everyone has it.
Questions about natural hazards in Castleton-on-Hudson
Is Castleton-on-Hudson at risk for natural disasters?
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Castleton-on-Hudson has higher expected damage per building than 83% of U.S. towns: C− for hazard risk. Most of the expected damage is river and rain flooding (94%). The figures are for the one census tract the town shares with its neighbors. This is FEMA’s model of an average year for today’s buildings, not a forecast.
Does Castleton-on-Hudson flood?
Flood insurance has paid 13 claims in Castleton-on-Hudson since 1996, $66K in all, or 17.2 per 1,000 homes, more than 82% of U.S. towns with a flood insurance record. The most claims came from April 2007 Nor'easter (1).
Is Castleton-on-Hudson in a flood zone?
Flood zones are drawn street by street, so the answer depends on the address: look it up on FEMA’s flood map. In Rensselaer County, 1.1% of all homes carry federal flood insurance.
How much is flood insurance in Castleton-on-Hudson?
FEMA’s Community Rating System list shows no discount for Castleton-on-Hudson’s flood program. Premiums depend on the building; policies usually start 30 days after you buy, so get a quote early.
What was the biggest storm in Castleton-on-Hudson?
By FEMA money that reached Castleton-on-Hudson, Hurricane Irene (2011): 10 households applied for aid, $30K approved. By flood claims, April 2007 Nor'easter: 1 paid, $3K.
Is Castleton-on-Hudson at risk from river and rain flooding?
It is the largest share of the building damage FEMA expects here (94%), and Castleton-on-Hudson’s rate for it is in the top 8% of U.S. census tracts.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in Castleton-on-Hudson.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where Castleton-on-Hudson’s residents lived in the 2020 census; OpenFEMA: NFIP redacted claims, multiple-loss properties, community status book and residential penetration rates, housing assistance (owners and renters), public assistance funded projects, hazard mitigation properties and disaster declarations. Homes: Census ACS 2020–24. Preparedness tips: Ready.gov. FEMA’s model is an average of expected damage, not a forecast. How hazard risk is graded.