Knox County Disaster Risk
Knox County, Missouri
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
21th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#102
of 115 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
23th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 23% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 35% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 40% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 30% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 15% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Knox County, Missouri
Knox ranks among safest counties
Knox County's composite risk score of 21.02 places it well below the national average with a Very Low rating. Residents face significantly less natural disaster exposure than most U.S. counties.
One of Missouri's safest counties
Knox County's 21.02 score ranks among the lowest in Missouri, sitting far below the state average of 50.56. The county offers substantially lower natural hazard exposure than most Missouri communities.
Safest county in the region
Knox County (21.02) faces dramatically lower risk than neighbors Lewis County (27.39) and all surrounding areas. It represents one of the safest natural disaster environments in northern Missouri.
Minimal hazard exposure countywide
Knox County's highest risk comes from wildfire (35.27) and flood (23.28), both well below state averages. Overall natural disaster risk remains limited and manageable across the county.
Standard insurance remains appropriate
Knox County homeowners can rely on standard homeowners insurance for adequate protection; flood insurance is optional but inexpensive. The county's low-risk profile means residents can allocate insurance budgets confidently without excess coverage.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Knox County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Knox County
Risk Verdict
Compared to the nation's 3,144 counties, Knox County ranks at the 21th percentile for natural disaster risk — toward the safer end of the spectrum. Residents of Knox County can use the 21th percentile ranking as a baseline, while recognizing that individual properties may still lie in specific hazard zones that differ from the county average.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Knox County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 40th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 35th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (30th percentile), flood (23th percentile), hurricane (15th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Tornado exposure at the 40th percentile nationally makes Knox County a county where a battery-powered weather radio — not just smartphone apps — is a worthwhile household investment, given that mobile networks often fail during severe storms. The secondary wildfire hazard at the 35th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Knox County's preparedness calendar, since wildfire and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. In Knox County, tornado watches indicate favorable atmospheric conditions while warnings mean rotation has been detected — households benefit from understanding this distinction so they shelter immediately on a warning, not after seeking visual confirmation.
Regional Context
At 29.5 points below the Missouri state average, Knox County is among the lower-risk counties in the state for natural disaster exposure.
Is your household prepared for Knox County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Knox County, MO?
What types of natural hazards affect Knox County?
How does Knox County risk compare to the Missouri average?
Is Knox County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Knox 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.