Chariton County Disaster Risk
Chariton County, Missouri
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
29th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#85
of 115 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
44th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 44% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 48% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 51% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 42% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 21% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Chariton County, Missouri
Chariton County's very low risk
Chariton County scores 29.42, placing it well below Missouri's state average of 50.56 with a Very Low national risk rating. The county's balanced hazard exposure means residents face below-average disaster threats compared to most Americans.
Among Missouri's safest
Chariton County ranks in the lowest tier of Missouri counties for natural disaster risk, sitting comfortably below the state median. Few Missouri residents enjoy comparable safety from major hazards.
Low-risk regional cluster
Chariton County (29.42) joins Carroll County (32.60) and Cedar County (26.05) in a relatively safe region, with all three scoring well below 50. This trio represents some of Missouri's most stable areas for disaster risk.
Tornado risk most significant
Tornadoes present the primary hazard with a 50.64 score, though this remains moderate by state standards. Wildfire (48.19) and flooding (44.15) pose secondary concerns, while earthquakes (42.05) and hurricanes (21.32) are minimal threats.
Standard insurance serves well
Chariton County's low-risk profile means comprehensive homeowners coverage with wind protection covers most disaster scenarios adequately. Seasonal tornado watches warrant a family emergency plan, but the county does not justify specialized hazard policies for typical properties.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Chariton County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Chariton County
Risk Verdict
Chariton County carries a low natural disaster risk burden, scoring at the 29th percentile under the FEMA National Risk Index. Chariton County residents can take confidence from a 29th percentile ranking, but even lower-risk counties benefit from a practiced household communication plan and awareness of the specific hazards listed above.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Chariton County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 51th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 48th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (44th percentile), earthquake (42th percentile), hurricane (21th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Chariton County's primary hazard, tornado, ranks at the 51th percentile nationally. In Chariton County, mobile homes and manufactured housing face significantly higher tornado risk than site-built structures; residents in these homes should identify the nearest permanent community shelter in advance. Alongside tornado exposure, wildfire at the 48th percentile nationally means Chariton County households face multi-hazard severe-weather seasons that benefit from a single integrated emergency plan covering both threats. The highest-risk window for tornado fatalities is overnight, when Chariton County residents may be asleep. A NOAA weather radio with overnight alert capability is the single most impactful low-cost preparedness step available to Chariton County households.
Regional Context
Compared to the Missouri county average, Chariton County's composite score runs 21.1 points lower — a gap that reflects the county's relatively modest hazard profile within its state context.
Is your household prepared for Chariton County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Chariton County, MO?
What types of natural hazards affect Chariton County?
How does Chariton County risk compare to the Missouri average?
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Is Chariton County a safe place to live?
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.