Lafayette County Disaster Risk
Lafayette County, Missouri
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
53th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#59
of 115 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
44th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 44% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 34% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 66% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 46% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 17% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Lafayette County, Missouri
Lafayette ranks near national average
Lafayette County's composite risk score of 52.51 sits just below the national average with a Relatively Low rating. The county faces typical to slightly-below-typical natural disaster exposure for the United States.
Slightly above Missouri's average risk
Lafayette's 52.51 score marginally exceeds Missouri's state average of 50.56, placing it in the lower-risk category within the state. The county experiences near-average hazard exposure for Missouri communities.
Lower risk than most area counties
Lafayette County (52.51) faces significantly lower risk than neighbors Jefferson County (90.52) and Laclede County (66.03). It occupies a safer position relative to surrounding communities.
Tornado risk outpaces other hazards
Tornado risk reaches 66.22 in Lafayette County, making it the county's primary natural disaster concern. Flood, wildfire, and earthquake risks all remain well below state averages.
Prioritize tornado and storm coverage
Lafayette homeowners should ensure their policies explicitly cover tornado damage and maintain a safe shelter area. Flood insurance is optional given the county's low flood risk, allowing resources to focus on wind and storm protection.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Lafayette County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Lafayette County
Risk Verdict
With a national percentile rank of 53th, Lafayette County faces below-average hazard exposure relative to U.S. counties as a whole. Above-average risk does not mean imminent danger; it signals that informed, hazard-specific preparedness has high value here.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Lafayette County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 66th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 46th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (44th percentile), wildfire (34th percentile), hurricane (17th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 66th percentile nationally for tornado risk, Lafayette County households benefit most from a reliable alert system — a NOAA weather radio that activates during overnight hours when residents may not be checking smartphone alerts. Alongside tornado exposure, earthquake at the 46th percentile nationally means Lafayette County households face multi-hazard severe-weather seasons that benefit from a single integrated emergency plan covering both threats. For Lafayette County households, a pre-decided family shelter plan — who goes where, how children are retrieved from school during a warning, and a neighborhood meet-up point if phones fail — provides real protection that no supply kit alone can replicate.
Regional Context
Lafayette County tracks the Missouri county average closely, sitting 2.0 composite points above the state mean — neither a standout high-risk nor low-risk county within Missouri.
Is your household prepared for Lafayette County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Lafayette County, MO?
What types of natural hazards affect Lafayette County?
How does Lafayette County risk compare to the Missouri average?
Is Lafayette County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Lafayette 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.