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

Henry County Disaster Risk

Henry County, Missouri

FEMA Risk Rating

Relatively Low

National Percentile

53th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#57

of 115 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

61th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 61% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 44% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 62% 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 28% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Henry County, Missouri

Henry County slightly above national average

Henry County's composite risk score of 52.77 exceeds the national average, earning a Relatively Low rating. While still manageable, this means your county faces slightly more natural disaster exposure than a typical American county.

Mid-range risk within Missouri

At 52.77, Henry County's risk score nearly mirrors Missouri's statewide average of 50.56, positioning it squarely in the middle of the state's risk distribution. You face moderately higher hazard exposure than the state's safest counties but lower than its riskiest ones.

Higher risk than some nearby counties

Henry County ranks among the moderately higher-risk areas in central Missouri, particularly compared to Howard County (13.80) and Hickory County (23.47). Your tornado and flood risks exceed those neighboring counties significantly.

Tornadoes and earthquakes dominate

Tornado risk reaches 62.40 and earthquake risk scores 58.87—both well above typical levels and your county's primary concerns. Flood risk (61.13) is also elevated, making multi-hazard preparedness critical for Henry County residents.

Invest in comprehensive coverage

Henry County's earthquake and tornado risks demand robust homeowner's insurance with specific windstorm and seismic coverage. Identify or build a safe room or basement shelter and maintain an emergency kit with supplies for at least 72 hours.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Henry County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    TornadoPrepare
    62th percentile
  2. #2
    FloodPrepare
    61th percentile
  3. #3
    EarthquakePrepare
    59th percentile

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

Risk Advisory: Henry County

Risk Verdict

At the 53th percentile nationally, Henry County experiences a manageable level of natural hazard risk that falls below the U.S. median. Henry County's risk profile calls for targeted preparedness, focusing on the hazard categories that dominate the county's score.

Hazard Breakdown

Tornado risk is Henry County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 62th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 61th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (59th percentile), wildfire (44th percentile), hurricane (28th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Henry County's primary hazard, tornado, ranks at the 62th percentile nationally. In Henry County, mobile homes and manufactured housing face significantly higher tornado risk than site-built structures; residents in these homes should identify the nearest permanent community shelter in advance. Alongside tornado exposure, flood at the 61th percentile nationally means Henry County households face multi-hazard severe-weather seasons that benefit from a single integrated emergency plan covering both threats. The highest-risk window for tornado fatalities is overnight, when Henry County residents may be asleep. A NOAA weather radio with overnight alert capability is the single most impactful low-cost preparedness step available to Henry County households.

Regional Context

At 2.2 points from the Missouri county mean, Henry County's overall disaster risk profile is close to typical for this state, with no dramatic deviation in either direction.

Is your household prepared for Henry 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 Henry County, MO?
Henry County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Relatively Low, placing it in the 53th 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 Henry County?
Henry County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: tornado (62th percentile), flooding (61th percentile), earthquake (59th percentile), wildfire (44th percentile), hurricane (28th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is tornado at the 62th 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 Henry County risk compare to the Missouri average?
Henry County's composite risk percentile is 53th, compared to the Missouri state average of 51th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Henry County faces higher natural disaster risk than the typical county in Missouri.
Is Henry County at risk for tornado?
Yes, Henry County's tornado risk is at the 62th percentile nationally. This is above the national median. For flooding specifically, Henry County is at the 61th 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.
Why is Henry County higher risk than average?
Henry County's composite risk score of 53th percentile is above the Missouri state average of 51th percentile. This elevated risk is driven by tornado exposure (62th percentile), along with flooding and earthquake risk. Geographic location, terrain, climate patterns, and proximity to flood zones or fault lines all influence a county's risk profile.
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.