Harrison County Disaster Risk
Harrison County, Missouri
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
29th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#86
of 115 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
28th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 28% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 60% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 58% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 26% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 11% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Harrison County, Missouri
Harrison County sits well below national risk
With a composite risk score of 29.33, Harrison County ranks as Very Low and sits comfortably below the national average. This means your county faces fewer natural disaster threats than most American counties, though specific hazards still warrant attention.
Among Missouri's safest counties
Harrison County's score of 29.33 is less than 58% of Missouri's average risk score of 50.56, placing it in the safer tier statewide. Compared to your state peers, you're in a favorable position for natural disaster risk.
Safer than nearby Gentry County
Harrison County's risk profile is notably safer than neighboring counties across northern Missouri. Your composite score of 29.33 puts you among the region's lower-risk areas, though wildfire and tornado threats remain moderate concerns.
Wildfires and tornadoes top concerns
Wildfire risk scores 60.05 and tornado risk reaches 58.14 in Harrison County—both significant enough to require preparedness planning. Flood risk (28.05) and earthquake risk (25.70) are lower concerns, but early warning systems and emergency plans remain essential.
Prepare for fire and storm damage
Given your county's moderate wildfire and tornado exposure, homeowners should verify their insurance covers wind, hail, and fire damage. Review your policy annually and maintain defensible space around your home, especially if located in wooded areas.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Harrison County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Harrison County
Risk Verdict
Harrison County's overall natural disaster score at the 29th percentile puts it well below the national median for hazard exposure. Harrison County residents can take confidence from a 29th percentile ranking, but even lower-risk counties benefit from a practiced household communication plan and awareness of the specific hazards listed above.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Harrison County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 60th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 58th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (28th percentile), earthquake (26th percentile), hurricane (11th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With wildfire ranked at the 60th percentile nationally, Harrison County is in a zone where air quality can deteriorate rapidly before structures are threatened. An N95 respirator and a HEPA air purifier are practical items for Harrison County households to have on hand before fire season. A secondary tornado exposure at the 58th percentile nationally means Harrison County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. Defensible space, insurance review, and an evacuation plan are the three preparedness pillars for Harrison County households — and the insurance review is the one most often deferred by Harrison County residents and most costly to skip when a fire event actually occurs.
Regional Context
Harrison County's composite risk score sits 21.2 points below the Missouri county average, reflecting a more favorable hazard environment than the state typical.
Is your household prepared for Harrison County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Harrison County, MO?
What types of natural hazards affect Harrison County?
How does Harrison County risk compare to the Missouri average?
Is Harrison County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Harrison 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.