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

Grundy County Disaster Risk

Grundy County, Missouri

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

28th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#89

of 115 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

30th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Very Low

Higher than 30% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 47% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 65% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Very Low

Higher than 31% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Very Low

Higher than 14% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Grundy County, Missouri

Grundy County ranks well below national risk

At 27.86, Grundy County's composite risk score places it in the "very low" category and substantially below the national baseline. This favorable profile reflects a fortunate geographic position away from major seismic zones and hurricane paths.

Among Missouri's lowest-risk counties

Grundy County scores 27.86, placing it well below Missouri's state average of 50.56 and in the bottom tier of the state's 114 counties. Its consistent, moderate hazard exposure across all categories contributes to this safety ranking.

Safe within a relatively low-risk region

Grundy County's 27.86 score aligns with neighboring Gentry County (28.85) and other north-central Missouri counties that sit in a low-risk band. This makes the broader region one of Missouri's safest.

Tornado risk moderately elevated locally

Tornado risk at 64.69 is Grundy County's highest hazard, though it remains below the state average for tornado risk overall. Wildfire risk (46.79), flood risk (30.25), and earthquake risk (30.66) are all well-controlled; hurricane risk is minimal (14.48).

Standard homeowners coverage is appropriate

With very-low-risk standing, a standard homeowners policy including wind and hail coverage addresses Grundy County's primary exposures. Focus your preparedness efforts on tornado safety—a weather radio and safe-room plan—rather than specialized insurance products.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Grundy County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    TornadoPrepare
    65th percentile
  2. #2
    WildfirePrepare
    47th percentile
  3. #3
    EarthquakePrepare
    31th percentile

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

Risk Advisory: Grundy County

Risk Verdict

Grundy County sits in the lower tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure, ranked at the 28th percentile nationally. Grundy County's 28th 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

Tornado risk is Grundy County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 65th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 47th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (31th percentile), flood (30th percentile), hurricane (14th percentile).

Preparedness Context

At the 65th percentile nationally for tornado risk, Grundy County households benefit most from a reliable alert system — a NOAA weather radio that activates during overnight hours when residents may not be checking smartphone alerts. The secondary wildfire hazard at the 47th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Grundy County's preparedness calendar, since wildfire and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. For Grundy County households, a pre-decided family shelter plan — who goes where, how children are retrieved from school during a warning, and a neighborhood meet-up point if phones fail — provides real protection that no supply kit alone can replicate.

Regional Context

Grundy County falls 22.7 points below Missouri's typical county risk level, making it one of the safer natural-hazard environments in the state.

Is your household prepared for Grundy 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 Grundy County, MO?
Grundy County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Very Low, placing it in the 28th 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 Grundy County?
Grundy County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: tornado (65th percentile), wildfire (47th percentile), earthquake (31th percentile), flooding (30th percentile), hurricane (14th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is tornado at the 65th 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 Grundy County risk compare to the Missouri average?
Grundy County's composite risk percentile is 28th, compared to the Missouri state average of 51th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Grundy County faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in Missouri.
Is Grundy County at risk for tornado?
Yes, Grundy County's tornado risk is at the 65th percentile nationally. This is above the national median. For flooding specifically, Grundy County is at the 30th 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.
Is Grundy County a safe place to live?
Grundy County's composite risk score of 28th percentile is below the Missouri state average of 51th percentile, indicating relatively lower exposure to natural hazards. However, no county is completely risk-free. The primary hazard type is tornado at the 65th percentile. Residents should still maintain emergency preparedness plans and appropriate insurance coverage.
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.