riskbycounty
FEMA NRI 1.19.0Updated Nov 2023 · Coverage 2014–2023Methodology

Cedar County Disaster Risk

Cedar County, Missouri

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

26th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#92

of 115 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

25th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Very Low

Higher than 25% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 49% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 63% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 44% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Very Low

Higher than 22% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Cedar County, Missouri

Cedar County's very low risk

Cedar County scores just 26.05 on the composite risk scale—significantly below Missouri's state average of 50.56—earning a Very Low national rating. The county represents one of Missouri's safest jurisdictions for natural disaster exposure.

Missouri's safest counties

Cedar County ranks among the lowest-risk counties statewide, with exposure well below the state median. Residents enjoy substantially lower disaster risk compared to most Missourians.

Safer than surrounding area

Cedar County's 26.05 score edges out even Clark County (21.82) and Chariton County (29.42), making it a low-risk pocket in central Missouri. Nearby Cass County (74.90) and Christian County (66.48) face far greater hazards, highlighting Cedar's relative safety.

Tornado risk highest concern

Tornadoes represent Cedar County's primary hazard with a 63.30 score, though this remains moderate compared to neighboring counties. Wildfire (49.40) and earthquake (43.67) pose secondary threats, while flooding (24.75) is minimal across the county.

Basic storm coverage sufficient

Given Cedar County's low overall risk, standard homeowners insurance with wind and hail coverage provides adequate protection for most properties. Review flood insurance only if your property lies near rivers or creeks; spring tornado drills remain a sensible precaution.

Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Cedar County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    TornadoPrepare
    63th percentile
  2. #2
    WildfirePrepare
    49th percentile
  3. #3
    EarthquakePrepare
    44th percentile

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)

Local Resources

Risk Advisory: Cedar County

Risk Verdict

Cedar County's overall natural disaster score at the 26th percentile puts it well below the national median for hazard exposure. Cedar County's 26th percentile ranking is favorable, though every county carries at least one natural hazard worth knowing — reviewing the specific risks listed above helps households focus their preparedness where it matters most.

Hazard Breakdown

Tornado risk is Cedar County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 63th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 49th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (44th percentile), flood (25th percentile), hurricane (22th percentile).

Preparedness Context

With tornado ranked at the 63th percentile nationally, Cedar County sits in a high-exposure zone where the difference between outcomes often comes down to proximity to a reinforced interior shelter and seconds of warning time. Wildfire is the second hazard driver for Cedar County at the 49th percentile nationally, meaning households should maintain awareness of both severe-weather and wildfire-specific warning systems. For Cedar County households, safe rooms certified to FEMA 320/361 standards offer the highest protection during a direct tornado hit; households without a safe room should locate the innermost lowest-floor room in their building and practice the route to it before storm season.

Regional Context

Cedar County's composite risk score sits 24.5 points below the Missouri county average, reflecting a more favorable hazard environment than the state typical.

Is your household prepared for Cedar County's hazards?

Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.

FEMA Ready Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the natural disaster risk in Cedar County, MO?
Cedar County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Very Low, placing it in the 26th percentile nationally out of 3,144 counties. This composite score reflects the county's overall exposure to natural hazards including floods, wildfires, tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes, weighted by expected annual loss and social vulnerability.
What types of natural hazards affect Cedar County?
Cedar County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: tornado (63th percentile), wildfire (49th percentile), earthquake (44th percentile), flooding (25th percentile), hurricane (22th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is tornado at the 63th percentile nationally. These scores are derived from FEMA's National Risk Index, which analyzes expected annual loss, social vulnerability, and community resilience for each hazard type.
How does Cedar County risk compare to the Missouri average?
Cedar County's composite risk percentile is 26th, compared to the Missouri state average of 51th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Cedar County faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in Missouri.
Is Cedar County at risk for tornado?
Yes, Cedar County's tornado risk is at the 63th percentile nationally. This is above the national median. For flooding specifically, Cedar County is at the 25th percentile.
How is natural disaster risk measured?
FEMA's National Risk Index (NRI) calculates risk scores for 18 natural hazard types across all U.S. counties and census tracts. The composite score combines Expected Annual Loss (estimated dollar losses from each hazard), Social Vulnerability (demographic factors affecting disaster impact), and Community Resilience (ability to recover). Percentile scores rank each county against all 3,144 U.S. counties, and risk ratings range from Very Low to Very High.
Is Cedar County a safe place to live?
Cedar County's composite risk score of 26th percentile is below the Missouri state average of 51th percentile, indicating relatively lower exposure to natural hazards. However, no county is completely risk-free. The primary hazard type is tornado at the 63th percentile. Residents should still maintain emergency preparedness plans and appropriate insurance coverage.

Counties with Similar Risk

Bollinger County

Missouri

+0.2

Very Low

26th percentile

St. Clair County

Missouri

-0.4

Very Low

26th percentile

Lewis County

Missouri

+1.3

Very Low

27th percentile

By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

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.

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