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

Christian County Disaster Risk

Christian County, Missouri

FEMA Risk Rating

Relatively Low

National Percentile

66th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#35

of 115 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

70th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 70% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 70% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 81% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 71% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Very Low

Higher than 31% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Christian County, Missouri

Christian County faces elevated risk

Christian County's composite score of 66.48 exceeds Missouri's state average of 50.56, reflecting Relatively Low national risk but with meaningfully higher exposure. The county shows elevated risk across multiple hazard types, particularly tornadoes (80.76) and earthquakes (70.96).

High-risk county in Missouri

Christian County ranks among Missouri's higher-risk jurisdictions, driven by significant tornado and wildfire exposure. Residents face notably greater disaster threats than the state average.

Multi-hazard risk concentration

Christian County's 66.48 score substantially exceeds nearby Cedar County (26.05) and Chariton County (29.42), with particular vulnerability to tornadoes (80.76), wildfire (70.39), and earthquakes (70.96). Only Clay County (89.79) faces comparably severe exposure in the region.

Tornadoes, earthquakes, wildfire

Tornadoes represent the greatest threat at 80.76, followed closely by earthquakes (70.96) and wildfire (70.39)—an unusual concentration of high-impact hazards. Flooding (70.04) rounds out a diverse hazard profile requiring multifaceted preparation.

Comprehensive coverage essential

Christian County's multi-hazard exposure demands earthquake insurance, robust wind coverage, and wildfire mitigation (defensible space, fire-resistant materials). Ensure your homeowners policy includes guaranteed replacement cost and review coverage limits annually given the county's 66.48 risk score.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Christian County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    TornadoPrepare
    81th percentile
  2. #2
    EarthquakePrepare
    71th percentile
  3. #3
    WildfirePrepare
    70th percentile

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

Local Resources

Risk Advisory: Christian County

Risk Verdict

Christian County has a below-average natural disaster risk profile, scoring at the 66th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Households in Christian County benefit from knowing which individual hazard types — flood, wildfire, tornado, or hurricane — are the primary contributors.

Hazard Breakdown

Tornado risk is Christian County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 81th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 71th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (70th percentile), flood (70th percentile), hurricane (31th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Tornado risk is Christian County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 81th percentile nationally. For Christian County households, the most protective action available is identifying a reinforced interior room on the lowest floor — a bathroom, closet, or central hallway away from windows. The secondary earthquake hazard at the 71th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Christian County's preparedness calendar, since earthquake and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. A battery-powered NOAA All Hazards weather radio with an auto-alert tone is the highest-leverage single item for tornado preparedness in Christian County, since it delivers warnings even when power is out and phone networks are congested.

Regional Context

Christian County's composite risk score sits 15.9 points above the Missouri county average, placing it among the more hazard-exposed counties in the state.

Is your household prepared for Christian 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 Christian County, MO?
Christian County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Relatively Low, placing it in the 66th 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 Christian County?
Christian County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: tornado (81th percentile), earthquake (71th percentile), wildfire (70th percentile), flooding (70th percentile), hurricane (31th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is tornado at the 81th 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 Christian County risk compare to the Missouri average?
Christian County's composite risk percentile is 66th, compared to the Missouri state average of 51th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Christian County faces higher natural disaster risk than the typical county in Missouri.
Is Christian County at risk for tornado?
Yes, Christian County's tornado risk is at the 81th percentile nationally. This places it in the top quartile for this hazard type. For flooding specifically, Christian County is at the 70th 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.
Why is Christian County higher risk than average?
Christian County's composite risk score of 66th percentile is above the Missouri state average of 51th percentile. This elevated risk is driven by tornado exposure (81th percentile), along with earthquake and wildfire and flooding risk. Geographic location, terrain, climate patterns, and proximity to flood zones or fault lines all influence a county's risk profile.

Counties with Similar Risk

Lawrence County

Missouri

-0.3

Relatively Low

66th percentile

Benton County

Missouri

+0.3

Relatively Low

67th percentile

Laclede County

Missouri

-0.4

Relatively Low

66th 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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