Benton County Disaster Risk
Benton County, Missouri
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
67th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#34
of 115 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
67th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 67% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 69% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 75% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 59% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 28% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Benton County, Missouri
Benton faces above-average disaster risk
Benton County's composite risk score of 66.83 ranks in the Relatively Low category but sits 32% above Missouri's state average of 50.56. This elevated exposure reflects significant hazard threats across multiple disaster types in your region.
Benton ranks among higher-risk Missouri counties
Benton County places in the upper-middle tier of natural disaster risk statewide, with hazard exposure that exceeds most Missouri communities. Several counties carry higher risk, but your county sits well above the state median.
Similar risk to Barry County
Benton County's 66.83 score closely rivals neighboring Barry County (75.06) and substantially exceeds safer areas to the north. Your county sits in southwestern Missouri's elevated-risk zone, where multiple hazards converge.
Wildfire and tornado risks are significant
Wildfire risk leads Benton County at 69.47, with tornado exposure close behind at 74.65—making your county vulnerable to wind-driven disasters. Flood (67.37) and earthquake (59.41) risks are also notable, creating a complex hazard environment.
Multi-hazard coverage essential here
Benton County residents must secure windstorm, flood, and wildfire insurance coverage to address your county's overlapping hazard profile. Create defensible space around your home by clearing brush, and maintain a family communication plan for rapid evacuation scenarios.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Benton County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Benton County
Risk Verdict
Benton County has a below-average natural disaster risk profile, scoring at the 67th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Households in Benton County benefit from knowing which individual hazard types — flood, wildfire, tornado, or hurricane — are the primary contributors.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Benton County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 75th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 69th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (67th percentile), earthquake (59th percentile), hurricane (28th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Tornado risk is Benton County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 75th percentile nationally. For Benton 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. Wildfire is the second hazard driver for Benton County at the 69th percentile nationally, meaning households should maintain awareness of both severe-weather and wildfire-specific warning systems. A battery-powered NOAA All Hazards weather radio with an auto-alert tone is the highest-leverage single item for tornado preparedness in Benton County, since it delivers warnings even when power is out and phone networks are congested.
Regional Context
Benton County's composite risk score sits 16.3 points above the Missouri county average, placing it among the more hazard-exposed counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Benton County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Benton County, MO?
What types of natural hazards affect Benton County?
How does Benton County risk compare to the Missouri average?
Is Benton County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Benton 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.