Dunklin County Disaster Risk
Dunklin County, Missouri
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
80th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#15
of 115 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
43th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 43% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 8% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 74% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively High
Higher than 96% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 47% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Dunklin County, Missouri
Dunklin County's earthquake risk dominates
Dunklin County's composite score of 80.12 places it in the "relatively low" category nationally, but this masks an extremely high earthquake risk of 96.44—among the highest in Missouri. Tornado risk at 73.70 adds a secondary but significant threat.
Among Missouri's highest-risk counties
At 80.12, Dunklin County's composite score significantly exceeds Missouri's state average of 50.56, putting it in the upper tier of the state's 114 counties. The earthquake risk alone places it in rare company within the state.
Seismic hotspot in regional comparison
Dunklin's earthquake risk (96.44) towers over neighboring counties—most Missouri neighbors score in the 60–80 range on seismic risk. This unusual seismic vulnerability stems from proximity to the New Madrid Seismic Zone.
Earthquakes are the primary concern here
Earthquake risk at 96.44 is Dunklin County's defining hazard, with tornado risk (73.70) and hurricane risk (46.52) creating secondary exposure. The 1811–1812 New Madrid earthquakes reshaped the landscape here; modern versions could do the same.
Earthquake insurance is essential for Dunklin
Given an earthquake risk score of 96.44, standard homeowners insurance is not enough—you need earthquake coverage as a separate endorsement or policy. Seismic retrofit improvements (foundation bolting, chimney bracing) can lower premiums and improve safety significantly.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Dunklin County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Dunklin County
Risk Verdict
At the 80th percentile nationally, Dunklin County experiences a manageable level of natural hazard risk that falls below the U.S. median. High composite risk signals that multiple hazard types are elevated simultaneously; planning for more than one scenario is important in Dunklin County.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Dunklin County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 96th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 74th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (47th percentile), flood (43th percentile), wildfire (8th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Dunklin County's primary hazard, earthquake, ranks at the 96th percentile nationally. Unreinforced masonry structures carry the highest injury risk during seismic events; residents in older buildings should check with their municipality about available seismic retrofit programs. Tornado at the 74th percentile nationally is a separate hazard dimension for Dunklin County that requires different protective strategies from earthquake preparedness. After a major earthquake, Dunklin County residents should expect water service disruption for 24 to 72 or more hours. Storing a minimum of one gallon per person per day for three days — before any event — is the most direct preparedness action households can take.
Regional Context
Dunklin County falls 29.6 points above Missouri's typical county risk level, which means the hazard environment here is notably more demanding than the state baseline.
Is your household prepared for Dunklin County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Dunklin County, MO?
What types of natural hazards affect Dunklin County?
How does Dunklin County risk compare to the Missouri average?
Is Dunklin County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Dunklin 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.