Callaway County Disaster Risk
Callaway County, Missouri
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
64th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#39
of 115 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
68th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 68% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 66% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 62% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 76% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 19% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Callaway County, Missouri
Callaway faces moderate risk exposure
Callaway County's composite risk score of 63.93 exceeds the national average and carries a Relatively Low rating. The county experiences meaningful but not severe exposure across multiple natural hazard categories.
Mid-range risk among Missouri counties
At 63.93, Callaway's score exceeds Missouri's state average of 50.56 by about 13 points, placing it in the upper-middle tier for state disaster risk. Preparedness is warranted but not urgent.
Moderate risk relative to region
Callaway's score of 63.93 sits between lower-risk Buchanan County (74.36) to the north and lower-risk Caldwell County (14.41) to the west, while Camden County (88.39) to the south carries substantially higher risk.
Floods and wildfires lead hazards
Callaway residents face flood risk of 68.35 and wildfire risk of 66.19, the two most significant threats. Tornadoes score 61.64, rounding out a trio of moderate concerns across the county.
Flood policy strongly recommended
With flood risk at 68.35, a standalone flood insurance policy is essential for Callaway homeowners, as standard policies exclude water damage. Review your coverage annually and consider wildfire mitigation for your property's defensible space.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Callaway County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Callaway County
Risk Verdict
At the 64th percentile nationally, Callaway County experiences a manageable level of natural hazard risk that falls below the U.S. median. Callaway County's risk profile calls for targeted preparedness, focusing on the hazard categories that dominate the county's score.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Callaway County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 76th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 68th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (66th percentile), tornado (62th percentile), hurricane (19th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Callaway County's primary hazard, earthquake, ranks at the 76th percentile nationally. Unreinforced masonry structures carry the highest injury risk during seismic events; residents in older buildings should check with their municipality about available seismic retrofit programs. Flood at the 68th percentile nationally is a separate hazard dimension for Callaway County that requires different protective strategies from earthquake preparedness. After a major earthquake, Callaway County residents should expect water service disruption for 24 to 72 or more hours. Storing a minimum of one gallon per person per day for three days — before any event — is the most direct preparedness action households can take.
Regional Context
Callaway County falls 13.4 points above Missouri's typical county risk level, which means the hazard environment here is notably more demanding than the state baseline.
Is your household prepared for Callaway County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Callaway County, MO?
What types of natural hazards affect Callaway County?
How does Callaway County risk compare to the Missouri average?
Is Callaway County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Callaway 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.