Lewis County Disaster Risk
Lewis County, Missouri
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
27th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#90
of 115 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
37th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 37% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 37% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 33% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 38% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 12% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Lewis County, Missouri
Lewis ranks among safest counties
Lewis County's composite risk score of 27.39 places it well below the national average with a Very Low rating. Residents face significantly less natural disaster exposure than the typical American county.
One of Missouri's safest counties
Lewis County's 27.39 score sits far below Missouri's state average of 50.56, ranking among the lowest-risk counties in the state. The county offers substantially lower natural hazard exposure than most Missouri communities.
Safer than surrounding counties
Lewis County (27.39) faces lower risk than neighbor Knox County (21.02) and all surrounding areas. The county represents one of the safest natural disaster environments in northern Missouri.
All hazards remain well-controlled
Lewis County's highest risk comes from wildfire (36.67) and flood (37.05), both moderate and manageable. Overall natural disaster risk remains limited across all hazard types in the county.
Standard coverage provides adequate protection
Lewis County homeowners can rely on standard homeowners insurance; flood insurance is optional given the county's low risk. The county's very low natural disaster exposure means residents need not purchase excessive coverage.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Lewis County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Lewis County
Risk Verdict
Lewis County carries a low natural disaster risk burden, scoring at the 27th percentile under the FEMA National Risk Index. The 27th percentile national ranking is one lens; Lewis County residents also benefit from reviewing which specific hazard types drive the county's composite score and preparing accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Lewis County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 38th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 37th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (37th percentile), tornado (33th percentile), hurricane (12th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Lewis County's primary hazard, earthquake, ranks at the 38th percentile nationally. Unreinforced masonry structures carry the highest injury risk during seismic events; residents in older buildings should check with their municipality about available seismic retrofit programs. Flood at the 37th percentile nationally is a separate hazard dimension for Lewis County that requires different protective strategies from earthquake preparedness. After a major earthquake, Lewis County residents should expect water service disruption for 24 to 72 or more hours. Storing a minimum of one gallon per person per day for three days — before any event — is the most direct preparedness action households can take.
Regional Context
Compared to the Missouri county average, Lewis County's composite score runs 23.2 points lower — a gap that reflects the county's relatively modest hazard profile within its state context.
Is your household prepared for Lewis County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Lewis County, MO?
What types of natural hazards affect Lewis County?
How does Lewis County risk compare to the Missouri average?
Is Lewis County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Lewis 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.