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FEMA NRI 1.19.0Updated Nov 2023 · Coverage 2014–2023Methodology

Adair County Disaster Risk

Adair County, Missouri

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

29th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#88

of 115 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

31th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Very Low

Higher than 31% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 43% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 75% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Very Low

Higher than 39% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Very Low

Higher than 10% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Adair County, Missouri

Adair ranks well below national risk

With a composite risk score of 28.72, Adair County sits in the Very Low category—well below Missouri's state average of 50.56. This means Adair residents face significantly lower exposure to major natural disasters than most Americans.

Among Missouri's safest counties

Adair County ranks in the lower tier of disaster risk statewide, placing it among Missouri's safest communities. Only a handful of counties in the state carry lower composite risk scores.

Lower risk than nearby counties

Compared to neighbors like Audrain County (51.40), Adair's score of 28.72 reflects notably lower overall exposure. Adjacent counties show more variation in flood and earthquake risk, making Adair a relative safe zone regionally.

Tornado risk tops your hazard list

Tornadoes pose the highest relative threat to Adair County, with a risk score of 75.16—substantially higher than other hazards in your area. Wildfire (42.88) and earthquake (39.25) risks remain moderate, but tornado preparedness should be your priority.

Secure comprehensive storm coverage

Standard homeowners insurance typically excludes tornado damage, making a separate windstorm policy essential for Adair residents. Review your coverage annually and ensure you have a family emergency plan that includes designated shelter areas.

Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Adair County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    TornadoPrepare
    75th percentile
  2. #2
    WildfirePrepare
    43th percentile
  3. #3
    EarthquakePrepare
    39th percentile

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)

Local Resources

Risk Advisory: Adair County

Risk Verdict

Adair County's natural disaster risk is among the lowest in the country, with a composite score at the 29th percentile nationally. Adair County residents can take confidence from a 29th percentile ranking, but even lower-risk counties benefit from a practiced household communication plan and awareness of the specific hazards listed above.

Hazard Breakdown

Tornado risk is Adair County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 75th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 43th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (39th percentile), flood (31th percentile), hurricane (10th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Tornado risk is Adair County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 75th percentile nationally. For Adair County households, the most protective action available is identifying a reinforced interior room on the lowest floor — a bathroom, closet, or central hallway away from windows. The secondary wildfire hazard at the 43th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Adair County's preparedness calendar, since wildfire and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. A battery-powered NOAA All Hazards weather radio with an auto-alert tone is the highest-leverage single item for tornado preparedness in Adair County, since it delivers warnings even when power is out and phone networks are congested.

Regional Context

The Missouri county average exceeds Adair County's score by 21.8 composite points — placing this county in the lower-risk tier relative to its in-state peers.

Is your household prepared for Adair County's hazards?

Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.

FEMA Ready Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the natural disaster risk in Adair County, MO?
Adair County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Very Low, placing it in the 29th percentile nationally out of 3,144 counties. This composite score reflects the county's overall exposure to natural hazards including floods, wildfires, tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes, weighted by expected annual loss and social vulnerability.
What types of natural hazards affect Adair County?
Adair County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: tornado (75th percentile), wildfire (43th percentile), earthquake (39th percentile), flooding (31th percentile), hurricane (10th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is tornado at the 75th percentile nationally. These scores are derived from FEMA's National Risk Index, which analyzes expected annual loss, social vulnerability, and community resilience for each hazard type.
How does Adair County risk compare to the Missouri average?
Adair County's composite risk percentile is 29th, compared to the Missouri state average of 51th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Adair County faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in Missouri.
Is Adair County at risk for tornado?
Yes, Adair County's tornado risk is at the 75th percentile nationally. This places it in the top quartile for this hazard type. For flooding specifically, Adair County is at the 31th percentile.
How is natural disaster risk measured?
FEMA's National Risk Index (NRI) calculates risk scores for 18 natural hazard types across all U.S. counties and census tracts. The composite score combines Expected Annual Loss (estimated dollar losses from each hazard), Social Vulnerability (demographic factors affecting disaster impact), and Community Resilience (ability to recover). Percentile scores rank each county against all 3,144 U.S. counties, and risk ratings range from Very Low to Very High.
Is Adair County a safe place to live?
Adair County's composite risk score of 29th percentile is below the Missouri state average of 51th percentile, indicating relatively lower exposure to natural hazards. However, no county is completely risk-free. The primary hazard type is tornado at the 75th percentile. Residents should still maintain emergency preparedness plans and appropriate insurance coverage.

Counties with Similar Risk

Gentry County

Missouri

+0.1

Very Low

29th percentile

Harrison County

Missouri

+0.6

Very Low

29th percentile

Chariton County

Missouri

+0.7

Very Low

29th percentile

By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

Data Source

Risk data sourced from the FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Risk scores are relative rankings (0–100) across all US counties — not absolute risk measures. Higher scores indicate higher relative risk compared to other counties.

Disclaimer: This data is informational only. It is not financial, insurance, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making insurance or real estate decisions.

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