Carter County Disaster Risk
Carter County, Missouri
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
54th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#55
of 115 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
61th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 61% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 47% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 40% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 82% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 31% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Carter County, Missouri
Carter County's moderate risk profile
Carter County scores 53.94—slightly above Missouri's state average of 50.56—reflecting Relatively Low overall risk nationally. However, one hazard stands out dramatically: earthquake risk of 82.19 significantly exceeds typical American county levels.
Middle-of-the-pack Missouri risk
Carter County ranks near the state median for overall disaster risk, though its earthquake exposure is among the highest in Missouri. Residents face above-average seismic hazard compared to neighboring counties.
Earthquake risk sets it apart
Carter County's 82.19 earthquake score far exceeds nearby Carroll County (36.48) and Cedar County (43.67), reflecting proximity to the Ozark seismic zone. Flooding (60.59) and wildfire (47.46) present moderate secondary risks across the region.
Earthquakes and flooding dominate
Earthquakes rank as Carter County's top hazard at 82.19, while flooding (60.59) presents a secondary threat that affects low-lying properties and riverfront areas. Though rare, seismic events can cause structural damage; floods damage foundations and basements regularly.
Earthquake insurance is critical
Standard homeowners policies exclude earthquake damage—you must purchase separate coverage, especially given Carter County's 82.19 score. Secure heavy furniture and appliances, and ensure flood insurance covers basement areas vulnerable to rising water.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Carter County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Carter County
Risk Verdict
Carter County sits below the national average for natural disaster exposure, ranking at the 54th percentile across all U.S. counties. Understanding the specific hazards behind Carter County's ranking helps residents prioritize where to direct emergency planning efforts.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Carter County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 82th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 61th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (47th percentile), tornado (40th percentile), hurricane (31th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 82th percentile nationally for earthquake risk, Carter County is in a zone where a post-earthquake communications plan matters almost as much as pre-earthquake structural preparation — phone networks are typically congested for hours after a significant event. The county's flood risk at the 61th percentile nationally is a seasonal consideration alongside the year-round earthquake threat, requiring awareness of both hazard types. For Carter County households, the three highest-impact earthquake preparedness actions are: (1) anchor heavy furniture and water heaters, (2) store three days of water at one gallon per person per day, and (3) identify a family reunification plan for the post-quake communication blackout period.
Regional Context
Carter County's composite risk score is within 3.4 points of the Missouri county average — a close alignment that reflects a broadly representative hazard environment for this part of the state.
Is your household prepared for Carter County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Carter County, MO?
What types of natural hazards affect Carter County?
How does Carter County risk compare to the Missouri average?
Is Carter County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Carter 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.