Dallas County Disaster Risk
Dallas County, Missouri
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
42th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#71
of 115 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
38th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 38% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 74% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 60% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 59% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 16% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Dallas County, Missouri
Dallas County's Mixed Risk Profile
Dallas County scores 41.70 on the composite risk scale, rated Very Low but falling below Missouri's state average of 50.56. This mid-range positioning reflects moderate exposure to some hazards balanced by lower vulnerability elsewhere.
Below-Average Risk in Missouri
Dallas County ranks in the lower-to-middle tier of Missouri's 114 counties, with a composite score 9 points below the state average. The county avoids the highest-risk categories despite notable wildfire exposure.
Moderate Compared to Neighbors
Dallas County's 41.70 score falls between Daviess County's lower 30.06 and Cole County's elevated 73.44. This positioning reflects Dallas's notable wildfire risk of 73.54, offsetting somewhat lower tornado and earthquake exposure.
Wildfire Emerges as Top Threat
Wildfire risk of 73.54 significantly outpaces Dallas County's other hazards, ranking well above tornado (60.37) and earthquake (59.10) risks. Flood risk of 37.95 rounds out the county's exposure profile as its weakest concern.
Prioritize Wildfire Preparedness
Dallas County homeowners should focus wildfire protection efforts on defensible space around their properties—clearing dead vegetation within 30 feet of structures. Standard homeowners insurance covers wildfire damage; ensure your policy limits reflect home replacement value in your area.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Dallas County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Dallas County
Risk Verdict
At the 42th percentile nationally, Dallas County experiences relatively limited natural hazard pressure compared to most of the country. Dallas County's 42th 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
Wildfire risk is Dallas County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 74th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 60th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (59th percentile), flood (38th percentile), hurricane (16th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Dallas County's dominant hazard is wildfire, ranked at the 74th percentile nationally. Maintaining at least 30 feet of lean, clean vegetation around structures in Dallas County and keeping gutters clear of debris significantly reduces ignition risk from wind-driven embers. The county's tornado exposure at the 60th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. Dallas County's households benefit from reviewing homeowners insurance before fire season, specifically whether the policy covers replacement cost rather than actual cash value, and whether it includes additional living expenses if displacement is required.
Regional Context
A composite score 8.9 points below the Missouri state average puts Dallas County in a better-than-typical position relative to neighboring counties.
Is your household prepared for Dallas County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Dallas County, MO?
What types of natural hazards affect Dallas County?
How does Dallas County risk compare to the Missouri average?
Is Dallas County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Dallas 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.