Barry County Disaster Risk
Barry County, Missouri
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
75th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#23
of 115 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
79th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 79% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 68% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 85% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 70% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 46% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Barry County, Missouri
Barry faces above-average disaster risk
Barry County's composite risk score of 75.06 ranks in the Relatively Low category but sits 48% above Missouri's state average of 50.56. This elevated exposure reflects significant threats from multiple hazard types affecting your region.
Barry ranks among Missouri's riskier counties
Barry County places in the upper tier of natural disaster risk statewide, with hazard exposure that exceeds most Missouri communities. Only the state's highest-risk counties carry comparable composite scores.
Highest risk in your immediate region
Barry County's 75.06 score substantially exceeds nearby Benton County (66.83) and significantly outpaces lower-risk neighbors to the north. Your county occupies the highest-risk position in the southwestern corner of Missouri's county cluster.
Tornadoes and floods dominate threats
Tornado risk leads Barry County's hazard profile at 85.02, making it one of the highest tornado-exposed areas in Missouri. Flood risk ranks second at 79.42, and wildfire exposure (67.56) also poses significant concern—combine these and Barry faces complex, overlapping threats.
Flood and windstorm coverage non-negotiable
Barry County residents must secure both flood insurance (not included in standard policies) and windstorm coverage to address your county's top two hazards. Invest in a safe room or basement shelter rated for extreme winds, and maintain emergency supplies for extended displacement.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Barry County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Barry County
Risk Verdict
With a national percentile rank of 75th, Barry County faces below-average hazard exposure relative to U.S. counties as a whole. Proactive preparedness — not reactive response — is key to managing life in one of the country's higher-risk counties; Barry County residents should plan accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Barry County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 85th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 79th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (70th percentile), wildfire (68th percentile), hurricane (46th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 85th percentile nationally for tornado risk, Barry County households benefit most from a reliable alert system — a NOAA weather radio that activates during overnight hours when residents may not be checking smartphone alerts. Flood is the second hazard driver for Barry County at the 79th percentile nationally, meaning households should maintain awareness of both severe-weather and flood-specific warning systems. For Barry County households, a pre-decided family shelter plan — who goes where, how children are retrieved from school during a warning, and a neighborhood meet-up point if phones fail — provides real protection that no supply kit alone can replicate.
Regional Context
At 24.5 points above the Missouri state average, Barry County carries meaningfully higher natural disaster exposure than a typical Missouri county.
Is your household prepared for Barry County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Barry County, MO?
What types of natural hazards affect Barry County?
How does Barry County risk compare to the Missouri average?
Is Barry County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Barry County higher risk than average?
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.