Atchison County Disaster Risk
Atchison County, Missouri
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
22th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#100
of 115 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
26th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 26% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 29% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 44% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 14% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 0% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Atchison County, Missouri
Atchison sits well below national average
Atchison County's composite risk score of 21.72 ranks in the Very Low category, nearly 60% below Missouri's state average of 50.56. This puts Atchison among the safest counties in the nation for natural disaster exposure.
One of Missouri's lowest-risk regions
Atchison County ranks in the lowest tier of natural disaster risk across Missouri, placing it in the top safety tier statewide. Only a handful of counties demonstrate lower composite risk scores.
Lowest risk in your region
Atchison County's 21.72 score makes it the safest of the three northernmost counties, outperforming Andrew County (22.14) and significantly exceeding Adair County (28.72). Your location provides genuine shelter from multiple hazard types affecting neighboring areas.
Tornadoes present your main threat
Tornado risk dominates Atchison County's hazard profile at 43.61, though this remains well below many regions statewide. Wildfire (28.75) and earthquake (14.15) risks are minimal, and hurricane exposure is nonexistent.
Add windstorm protection to insurance
Include windstorm and hail coverage in your homeowners policy to address Atchison County's primary natural disaster risk. Review your policy every 2-3 years and maintain current emergency contact information for all household members.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Atchison County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Atchison County
Risk Verdict
Compared to the nation's 3,144 counties, Atchison County ranks at the 22th percentile for natural disaster risk — toward the safer end of the spectrum. A 22th percentile score positions Atchison County among the nation's lower-risk counties, a genuinely favorable outcome — one that simple, low-cost preparedness habits can reinforce further.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Atchison County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 44th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 29th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (26th percentile), earthquake (14th percentile), hurricane (0th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Tornado exposure at the 44th percentile nationally makes Atchison County a county where a battery-powered weather radio — not just smartphone apps — is a worthwhile household investment, given that mobile networks often fail during severe storms. Alongside tornado exposure, wildfire at the 29th percentile nationally means Atchison County households face multi-hazard severe-weather seasons that benefit from a single integrated emergency plan covering both threats. In Atchison County, tornado watches indicate favorable atmospheric conditions while warnings mean rotation has been detected — households benefit from understanding this distinction so they shelter immediately on a warning, not after seeking visual confirmation.
Regional Context
At 28.8 points below the Missouri state average, Atchison County is among the lower-risk counties in the state for natural disaster exposure.
Is your household prepared for Atchison County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Atchison County, MO?
What types of natural hazards affect Atchison County?
How does Atchison County risk compare to the Missouri average?
Is Atchison County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Atchison County a safe place to live?
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.