Bates County Disaster Risk
Bates County, Missouri
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
30th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#83
of 115 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
40th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 40% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 15% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 53% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 45% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 22% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Bates County, Missouri
Bates ranks well below national risk
Bates County's composite risk score of 30.47 sits firmly in the Very Low category, 40% below Missouri's state average of 50.56. Your county experiences significantly lower natural disaster exposure than most American communities.
Among Missouri's safer counties
Bates County ranks in the lower tier of natural disaster risk statewide, placing it among Missouri's safer places to live. Only a handful of counties demonstrate lower composite risk scores.
Safer than Barton, near Atchison levels
Bates County's 30.47 score underperforms Barton County (43.61) and rivals the safety of northern counties like Atchison (21.72) and Adair (28.72). Your county benefits from geographic positioning that minimizes multiple hazard exposures.
Tornado risk far exceeds other threats
Tornado risk dominates Bates County's hazard profile at 52.80, representing your most significant natural disaster concern. Flood (39.54) and earthquake (44.53) risks are moderate, while wildfire exposure is minimal at just 14.89.
Windstorm insurance is your priority
Secure windstorm and hail coverage in your homeowners policy to protect against Bates County's primary tornado threat. Designate a safe room or basement shelter area and keep an emergency kit accessible during severe weather season.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Bates County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Bates County
Risk Verdict
Bates County carries a low natural disaster risk burden, scoring at the 30th percentile under the FEMA National Risk Index. Even at the 30th percentile, Bates County's composite score reflects real hazard exposure categories — knowing which ones apply locally enables targeted, efficient household preparedness.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Bates County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 53th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 45th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (40th percentile), hurricane (22th percentile), wildfire (15th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Bates County's primary hazard, tornado, ranks at the 53th percentile nationally. In Bates County, mobile homes and manufactured housing face significantly higher tornado risk than site-built structures; residents in these homes should identify the nearest permanent community shelter in advance. The secondary earthquake hazard at the 45th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Bates County's preparedness calendar, since earthquake and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. The highest-risk window for tornado fatalities is overnight, when Bates County residents may be asleep. A NOAA weather radio with overnight alert capability is the single most impactful low-cost preparedness step available to Bates County households.
Regional Context
Compared to the Missouri county average, Bates County's composite score runs 20.1 points lower — a gap that reflects the county's relatively modest hazard profile within its state context.
Is your household prepared for Bates County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Bates County, MO?
What types of natural hazards affect Bates County?
How does Bates County risk compare to the Missouri average?
Is Bates County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Bates 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.