Butler County Disaster Risk
Butler County, Missouri
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
83th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#14
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
Very Low
Higher than 39% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 90% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively High
Higher than 95% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 44% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Butler County, Missouri
Butler ranks among high-risk counties
Butler County's composite risk score of 83.11 substantially exceeds the national average and carries a Relatively Moderate rating. This position reflects significant exposure to multiple natural hazards.
Among Missouri's riskiest counties
Butler's score of 83.11 towers above the state average of 50.56, making it one of the highest-risk counties in Missouri. Residents in this county face above-average disaster exposure across the board.
Butler faces steeper odds than neighbors
Butler's score of 83.11 surpasses Buchanan County (74.36) to the north and Callaway County (63.93) to the west. Cape Girardeau County (85.69) edges slightly higher, but Butler remains among the riskiest in its region.
Earthquakes and tornadoes top concerns
Butler residents confront an exceptionally high earthquake risk of 95.10, paired with a tornado risk of 90.14. These two hazards dominate the county's risk profile; flood risk (79.07) adds a third significant layer.
Earthquake policy is critical protection
An earthquake risk score of 95.10 makes dedicated earthquake insurance non-negotiable for Butler homeowners, even though standard policies exclude it. Combine this with flood coverage and a tornado safety plan for comprehensive protection.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Butler County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Butler County
Risk Verdict
With a composite score at the 83th percentile, Butler County sits above the national median for natural hazard exposure. Proactive preparedness — not reactive response — is key to managing life in one of the country's higher-risk counties; Butler County residents should plan accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Butler County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 95th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 90th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (79th percentile), hurricane (44th percentile), wildfire (39th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 95th percentile nationally for earthquake exposure, Butler County households benefit from practicing Drop, Cover, and Hold On — the protocol that minimizes injury during shaking. Getting under a sturdy table or desk and holding on until shaking stops is the key action. The county's tornado risk at the 90th percentile nationally is a seasonal consideration alongside the year-round earthquake threat, requiring awareness of both hazard types. Building age matters for earthquake risk in Butler County: structures built before local seismic code adoption are statistically more vulnerable. Contacting the local building department about retrofit programs can reveal whether your structure qualifies for mitigation assistance.
Regional Context
At 32.6 points above the Missouri state average, Butler County carries meaningfully higher natural disaster exposure than a typical Missouri county.
Is your household prepared for Butler County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Butler County, MO?
What types of natural hazards affect Butler County?
How does Butler County risk compare to the Missouri average?
Is Butler County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Butler 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.