Cass County Disaster Risk
Cass County, Missouri
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
75th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#24
of 115 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
71th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 71% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 29% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 90% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 54% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 18% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Cass County, Missouri
Cass County faces elevated risk
Cass County's composite risk score of 74.90 places it well above Missouri's state average of 50.56, earning a Relatively Low national rating but with notably higher exposure. The county's tornado risk of 89.85 is particularly severe, ranking among the state's most tornado-prone areas.
High-risk tornado zone
Cass County ranks in Missouri's higher-risk tier, driven primarily by its extreme tornado vulnerability of 89.85. Few Missouri counties face comparable spring storm intensity, making severe weather the dominant concern for residents.
Tornado risk stands out
Cass County's 89.85 tornado score substantially exceeds nearby Carroll County (56.84), Cedar County (63.30), and Chariton County (50.64). Flooding (70.55) and earthquake (54.36) risks remain moderate, but tornadoes drive the county's overall exposure profile.
Severe tornadoes, flooding threats
Tornadoes pose an extreme threat with an 89.85 risk score—the highest hazard facing Cass County residents. Flooding (70.55) compounds spring risks, particularly near creeks and low-lying property, making dual preparation essential.
Tornado readiness saves lives
With 89.85 tornado risk, underground or interior safe rooms are critical investments; ensure your homeowners policy covers wind and hail damage with adequate limits. Maintain a storm kit and evacuation plan, and monitor spring weather forecasts vigilantly from March through June.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Cass County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Cass County
Risk Verdict
With a national percentile rank of 75th, Cass County faces below-average hazard exposure relative to U.S. counties as a whole. Above-average risk does not mean imminent danger; it signals that informed, hazard-specific preparedness has high value here.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Cass County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 90th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 71th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (54th percentile), wildfire (29th percentile), hurricane (18th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 90th percentile nationally for tornado risk, Cass County households benefit most from a reliable alert system — a NOAA weather radio that activates during overnight hours when residents may not be checking smartphone alerts. The secondary flood hazard at the 71th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Cass County's preparedness calendar, since flood and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. For Cass County households, a pre-decided family shelter plan — who goes where, how children are retrieved from school during a warning, and a neighborhood meet-up point if phones fail — provides real protection that no supply kit alone can replicate.
Regional Context
At 24.3 points above the Missouri state average, Cass County carries meaningfully higher natural disaster exposure than a typical Missouri county.
Is your household prepared for Cass County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Cass County, MO?
What types of natural hazards affect Cass County?
How does Cass County risk compare to the Missouri average?
Is Cass County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Cass 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.