Laclede County Disaster Risk
Laclede County, Missouri
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
66th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#37
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 78% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 59% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 81% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 21% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Laclede County, Missouri
Laclede faces moderate national risk
Laclede County's composite risk score of 66.03 exceeds the national average, though it carries a Relatively Low rating. The county experiences above-typical hazard exposure compared to most American counties.
Above Missouri's average risk level
Laclede's 66.03 score exceeds Missouri's state average of 50.56, placing it in the middle-risk tier statewide. The county faces more natural disaster exposure than the typical Missouri community.
Comparable to surrounding counties
Laclede County (66.03) faces similar risk to neighbors Lawrence County (66.22) and sits riskier than Jasper County (85.59) but above Knox County (21.02). The county represents mid-range risk in the Ozark region.
Wildfires and earthquakes lead threats
Laclede County faces elevated wildfire risk (78.21) and earthquake risk (80.73), both well above state averages. These geological and fire-related hazards drive the county's overall elevated risk profile.
Add wildfire and earthquake coverage
Laclede homeowners should verify their policies include wildfire protection and consider adding earthquake insurance, given the county's above-average exposure to both. A comprehensive review with your agent can ensure adequate protection at reasonable cost.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Laclede County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Laclede County
Risk Verdict
Laclede County sits below the national average for natural disaster exposure, ranking at the 66th percentile across all U.S. counties. Understanding the specific hazards behind Laclede County's ranking helps residents prioritize where to direct emergency planning efforts.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Laclede County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 81th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 78th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (61th percentile), tornado (59th percentile), hurricane (21th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 81th percentile nationally for earthquake risk, Laclede County is in a zone where a post-earthquake communications plan matters almost as much as pre-earthquake structural preparation — phone networks are typically congested for hours after a significant event. Wildfire at the 78th percentile nationally is a separate hazard dimension for Laclede County that requires different protective strategies from earthquake preparedness. For Laclede County households, the three highest-impact earthquake preparedness actions are: (1) anchor heavy furniture and water heaters, (2) store three days of water at one gallon per person per day, and (3) identify a family reunification plan for the post-quake communication blackout period.
Regional Context
A composite score 15.5 points above the Missouri state average puts Laclede County in a higher-risk category than most counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Laclede County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Laclede County, MO?
What types of natural hazards affect Laclede County?
How does Laclede County risk compare to the Missouri average?
Is Laclede County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Laclede 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.