Out of 44 counties with PHMSA gas distribution data, these are the counties with the highest incident risk.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Counties ranked | 44 |
| Total incidents (top 100) | 259 |
| Total fatalities (top 100) | 20 |
Top 44 Counties
| Rank | County | State | Incidents | Fatalities | Latest Year | Risk Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dutchess | New York | 22 | 0 | 2019 | 43/100 |
| 2 | Putnam | New York | 22 | 0 | 2019 | 7/100 |
| 3 | Tompkins | New York | 22 | 0 | 2019 | 7/100 |
| 4 | Broome | New York | 22 | 0 | 2019 | 7/100 |
| 5 | Queens | New York | 16 | 3 | 2019 | 15/100 |
| 6 | New York | New York | 15 | 8 | 2021 | 46/100 |
| 7 | Sullivan | New York | 14 | 2 | 2024 | 23/100 |
| 8 | Nassau | New York | 14 | 2 | 2024 | 23/100 |
| 9 | Clinton | New York | 14 | 2 | 2024 | 23/100 |
| 10 | Westchester | New York | 14 | 2 | 2024 | 23/100 |
| 11 | Kings | New York | 14 | 0 | 2021 | 10/100 |
| 12 | Chemung | New York | 9 | 0 | 2015 | 11/100 |
| 13 | Suffolk | New York | 9 | 0 | 2015 | 3/100 |
| 14 | Rensselaer | New York | 9 | 0 | 2015 | 3/100 |
| 15 | Monroe | New York | 7 | 1 | 2024 | 19/100 |
| 16 | Rockland | New York | 4 | 0 | 2024 | 12/100 |
| 17 | Delaware | New York | 4 | 0 | 2024 | 12/100 |
| 18 | Chautauqua | New York | 3 | 0 | 2017 | 19/100 |
| 19 | Ulster | New York | 2 | 0 | 2006 | 43/100 |
| 20 | Orange | New York | 2 | 0 | 2022 | 12/100 |
| 21 | Madison | New York | 2 | 0 | 2022 | 2/100 |
| 22 | Lebanon | New York | 2 | 0 | 2021 | 2/100 |
| 23 | Cortland | New York | 2 | 0 | 2022 | 1/100 |
| 24 | Schenectady | New York | 2 | 0 | 2012 | 1/100 |
| 25 | Oswego | New York | 2 | 0 | 2019 | 1/100 |
| 26 | Erie | New York | 2 | 0 | 2025 | 1/100 |
| 27 | Albany | New York | 1 | 0 | 2011 | 43/100 |
| 28 | Oneida | New York | 1 | 0 | 2018 | 19/100 |
| 29 | Saratoga | New York | 1 | 0 | 2004 | 1/100 |
| 30 | Chenango | New York | 1 | 0 | 2021 | 1/100 |
| 31 | Herkimer | New York | 1 | 0 | 2018 | 1/100 |
| 32 | Jefferson | New York | 1 | 0 | 2023 | 1/100 |
| 33 | Ontario | New York | 1 | 0 | 2019 | 1/100 |
| 34 | Allegany | New York | 1 | 0 | 2012 | 1/100 |
| 35 | Bedford | New York | 1 | 0 | 2009 | 0/100 |
| 36 | Columbia | New York | 0 | 0 | — | 23/100 |
| 37 | Orleans | New York | 0 | 0 | — | 19/100 |
| 38 | Livingston | New York | 0 | 0 | — | 19/100 |
| 39 | Onondaga | New York | 0 | 0 | — | 2/100 |
| 40 | Otsego | New York | 0 | 0 | — | 1/100 |
| 41 | Cayuga | New York | 0 | 0 | — | 1/100 |
| 42 | Cattaraugus | New York | 0 | 0 | — | 1/100 |
| 43 | Wyoming | New York | 0 | 0 | — | 1/100 |
| 44 | Steuben | New York | 0 | 0 | — | 1/100 |
Methodology
County rankings for New York based on total PHMSA gas distribution incidents reported since 2004.
Data source: U.S. DOT Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), Gas Distribution System Incident Reports 2004-2026. Last updated: 2026-06-04.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a gas distribution incident?
Gas distribution incidents involve failures in the local natural gas pipeline network — leaks, ruptures, explosions, and equipment failures that can cause property damage, injuries, and fatalities. PHMSA requires all operators to report significant incidents.
How can I protect my home?
Install CO detectors on every level (CPSC recommendation). Have gas appliances inspected annually. Know the signs of a gas leak: rotten egg smell, hissing near gas lines, dead vegetation near pipelines. If you suspect a leak, leave immediately and call 911.