Clinton County Disaster Risk
Clinton County, Missouri
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
56th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#48
of 115 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
66th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 66% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 66% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 72% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 35% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 0% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Clinton County, Missouri
Clinton County's Risk Profile
Clinton County scores 56.23 on the national composite risk scale, earning a Relatively Low rating and sitting above Missouri's state average of 50.56. While this suggests elevated exposure compared to some peers, most hazards remain manageable with proper preparation.
Mid-Range Risk in Missouri
Clinton County ranks in the middle tier of Missouri's 114 counties for overall disaster risk. Its score reflects meaningful exposure to multiple hazard types, but the county avoids the highest-risk categories found in more seismic or flood-prone regions.
Compared to Neighboring Counties
Clinton County's risk score of 56.23 exceeds Daviess County's 30.06 and Dallas County's 41.70, but trails Cole County's elevated 73.44. This positioning reflects Clinton's moderate tornado and wildfire exposure relative to immediate neighbors.
Tornado and Wildfire Top Threats
Tornado risk registers at 72.36—the county's strongest hazard—followed closely by wildfire risk at 66.25. Flood risk of 65.55 rounds out Clinton's primary concerns, with earthquake and hurricane threats remaining minimal.
Coverage for Tornado Country
Standard homeowners insurance doesn't cover tornado or flood damage, making separate windstorm and flood policies essential for Clinton County residents. Consider a FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant or safe room retrofit to strengthen protection against the area's tornado exposure.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Clinton County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Clinton County
Risk Verdict
Clinton County sits below the national average for natural disaster exposure, ranking at the 56th percentile across all U.S. counties. Understanding the specific hazards behind Clinton County's ranking helps residents prioritize where to direct emergency planning efforts.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Clinton County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 72th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 66th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (66th percentile), earthquake (35th percentile), hurricane (0th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Ranked at the 72th percentile nationally for tornado risk, Clinton County is in a zone where storm shelters have the highest per-dollar protective value of any mitigation investment. Clinton County's county shelter map is typically available through the local emergency management office. The secondary wildfire hazard at the 66th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Clinton County's preparedness calendar, since wildfire and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. Clinton County residents can check the county's emergency management website for community shelter locations nearest their address — a step worth completing now, not during a warning.
Regional Context
A composite score 5.7 points above the Missouri state average puts Clinton County in a higher-risk category than most counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Clinton County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Clinton County, MO?
What types of natural hazards affect Clinton County?
How does Clinton County risk compare to the Missouri average?
Is Clinton County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Clinton 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.