Johnson County Disaster Risk
Johnson County, Missouri
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
55th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#52
of 115 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
60th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 60% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 29% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 57% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 50% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 22% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Johnson County, Missouri
Johnson ranks near national average
Johnson County's composite risk score of 54.93 hovers near the national average, earning a Relatively Low rating. The county faces moderate natural disaster exposure compared to the typical U.S. county.
Below Missouri's average risk level
Johnson County's 54.93 score sits just above Missouri's state average of 50.56, placing it in the lower-risk category within the state. Residents face less hazard exposure than many other Missouri counties.
Less risky than surrounding areas
Johnson County (54.93) faces notably lower risk than neighbors Jefferson County (90.52) and Lafayette County (52.51) sits nearby at similar levels. The county occupies a relatively safer position in the region.
Tornadoes and floods pose most concern
Tornado risk in Johnson County reaches 57.16, while flood risk stands at 59.67—both moderate but manageable threats. These two hazards represent the county's primary natural disaster concerns.
Standard coverage with flood protection
Johnson County homeowners should ensure their policies cover tornado damage and purchase separate flood insurance for complete protection. The county's moderate risk profile makes comprehensive coverage both affordable and essential.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Johnson County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Johnson County
Risk Verdict
Johnson County ranks at the 55th percentile nationally for natural disaster risk — below the median for U.S. counties. Residents are encouraged to understand which hazards dominate locally and tailor their preparedness accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Johnson County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 60th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 57th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (50th percentile), wildfire (29th percentile), hurricane (22th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Johnson County sits at the 60th percentile nationally for flood exposure. Knowing your property's flood zone designation — available at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center — is the first step toward understanding actual exposure and insurance options. The county's second-ranked hazard, tornado at the 57th percentile nationally, means Johnson County residents face compounding risks from multiple natural hazard types during peak seasons. Regardless of specific hazard, Johnson County households benefit from a practiced communication plan: a designated out-of-state contact and a pre-agreed evacuation destination established before the season's peak risk period.
Regional Context
The county's composite score diverges by only 4.4 points from the Missouri average, making Johnson County's hazard profile broadly typical for this part of the state.
Is your household prepared for Johnson County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Johnson County, MO?
What types of natural hazards affect Johnson County?
How does Johnson County risk compare to the Missouri average?
Is Johnson County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Johnson 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.