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

Holt County Disaster Risk

Holt County, Missouri

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

16th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#107

of 115 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

22th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Very Low

Higher than 22% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Very Low

Higher than 33% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Very Low

Higher than 41% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Very Low

Higher than 17% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Very Low

Higher than 0% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Holt County, Missouri

Holt County among America's safest

Holt County's composite risk score of 15.68 ranks as Very Low and places it far below the national average. Your county enjoys one of the lowest natural disaster risk profiles in the country.

Missouri's lowest-risk county tier

Holt County scores just 15.68 compared to Missouri's statewide average of 50.56—less than 31% of the state's average risk. You live in one of the safest counties in Missouri for natural disaster exposure.

Safest in northern Missouri region

Holt County's 15.68 score is notably lower than Harrison County (29.33) and far safer than Henry County (52.77). Your county consistently outperforms regional neighbors across nearly every natural disaster category.

Tornado risk is primary concern

Tornado risk reaches 40.81 in Holt County, making it your only moderate-level hazard while all other risks remain very low. Wildfire (32.79) and flood risks (21.66) are minimal by comparison, and earthquake risk is minimal at 16.73.

Basic tornado preparedness sufficient

Standard homeowner's insurance and a tornado safety plan are appropriate for Holt County's low-risk profile. Identify a safe shelter location and keep emergency supplies on hand, though comprehensive multi-hazard coverage isn't as critical as in higher-risk regions.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Holt County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    TornadoPrepare
    41th percentile
  2. #2
    WildfirePrepare
    33th percentile
  3. #3
    FloodPrepare
    22th percentile

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

Risk Advisory: Holt County

Risk Verdict

At the 16th percentile nationally, Holt County experiences relatively limited natural hazard pressure compared to most of the country. Being ranked at the 16th percentile nationally is an advantage for Holt County — it means fewer statistically likely events, though basic readiness ensures households are covered when exceptions occur.

Hazard Breakdown

Tornado risk is Holt County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 41th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 33th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (22th percentile), earthquake (17th percentile), hurricane (0th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Holt County ranks at the 41th percentile nationally for tornado exposure. Unlike many slow-onset hazards, tornadoes in Holt County can reach full intensity in minutes; a pre-practiced household shelter plan matters far more than stockpiled supplies. Wildfire is the second hazard driver for Holt County at the 33th percentile nationally, meaning households should maintain awareness of both severe-weather and wildfire-specific warning systems. Holt County county emergency management typically publishes annual severe-weather preparedness guides tailored to local tornado patterns; households benefit from reviewing these before storm season begins each spring.

Regional Context

A composite score 34.9 points below the Missouri state average puts Holt County in a better-than-typical position relative to neighboring counties.

Is your household prepared for Holt 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 Holt County, MO?
Holt County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Very Low, placing it in the 16th 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 Holt County?
Holt County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: tornado (41th percentile), wildfire (33th percentile), flooding (22th percentile), earthquake (17th percentile), hurricane (0th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is tornado at the 41th 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 Holt County risk compare to the Missouri average?
Holt County's composite risk percentile is 16th, compared to the Missouri state average of 51th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Holt County faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in Missouri.
Is Holt County at risk for tornado?
Yes, Holt County's tornado risk is at the 41th percentile nationally. This is below the national median, indicating relatively lower exposure. For flooding specifically, Holt County is at the 22th 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 Holt County a safe place to live?
Holt County's composite risk score of 16th 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 41th 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.