riskbycounty
FEMA NRI 1.19.0Updated Nov 2023 · Coverage 2014–2023Methodology

Lincoln County Disaster Risk

Lincoln County, Missouri

FEMA Risk Rating

Relatively Low

National Percentile

67th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#32

of 115 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

70th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 70% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 59% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 73% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 78% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Very Low

Higher than 13% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Lincoln County, Missouri

Lincoln County's risk exceeds national average

With a composite risk score of 67.08, Lincoln County faces a relatively low but above-average disaster risk compared to U.S. counties. This score reflects meaningful exposure to multiple hazard types, particularly earthquakes and tornadoes, that require local attention and preparedness planning.

Higher than most Missouri counties

Lincoln County ranks above average among Missouri's 115 counties with a score of 67.08 versus the state average of 50.56. This places the county in the upper tier of Missouri's disaster risk profile, driven largely by seismic and severe weather exposure.

Riskier than adjacent counties

Lincoln County's risk score of 67.08 notably exceeds nearby Marion County (47.87) and Madison County (50.86), making it the most hazard-exposed area in its immediate region. Residents here face measurably higher earthquake and tornado risks than their neighbors to the south and west.

Earthquakes and tornadoes dominate

Earthquakes pose the highest risk at 77.80, reflecting Lincoln County's proximity to seismic zones, while tornadoes rank second at 72.93—both well above state averages. Flooding also presents material risk at 70.29, threatening both structural and agricultural assets across the county.

Secure coverage for multiple hazards

Standard homeowners insurance doesn't cover earthquake or flood damage; Lincoln County residents should purchase separate earthquake and flood policies given their elevated exposure. Consider reinforcing your foundation against seismic activity and ensuring your home meets current wind-resistance standards for tornado protection.

Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Lincoln County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    EarthquakePrepare
    78th percentile
  2. #2
    TornadoPrepare
    73th percentile
  3. #3
    FloodPrepare
    70th percentile

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)

Local Resources

Risk Advisory: Lincoln County

Risk Verdict

Lincoln County has a below-average natural disaster risk profile, scoring at the 67th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Households in Lincoln County benefit from knowing which individual hazard types — flood, wildfire, tornado, or hurricane — are the primary contributors.

Hazard Breakdown

Earthquake risk is Lincoln County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 78th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 73th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (70th percentile), wildfire (59th percentile), hurricane (13th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Earthquake risk is Lincoln County's leading natural hazard, ranked at the 78th percentile nationally. Securing tall furniture, water heaters, and bookcases to walls with anti-tip hardware is among the simplest and most effective life-safety measures households can take. The county's tornado risk at the 73th percentile nationally is a seasonal consideration alongside the year-round earthquake threat, requiring awareness of both hazard types. Lincoln County residents should locate the main gas shutoff valve and keep an appropriate wrench nearby — gas leaks cause a significant share of earthquake-related injuries and fires, and the shutoff step is safe to take immediately after shaking stops.

Regional Context

Lincoln County's composite risk score sits 16.5 points above the Missouri county average, placing it among the more hazard-exposed counties in the state.

Is your household prepared for Lincoln County's hazards?

Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.

FEMA Ready Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the natural disaster risk in Lincoln County, MO?
Lincoln County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Relatively Low, placing it in the 67th percentile nationally out of 3,144 counties. This composite score reflects the county's overall exposure to natural hazards including floods, wildfires, tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes, weighted by expected annual loss and social vulnerability.
What types of natural hazards affect Lincoln County?
Lincoln County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: earthquake (78th percentile), tornado (73th percentile), flooding (70th percentile), wildfire (59th percentile), hurricane (13th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is earthquake at the 78th percentile nationally. These scores are derived from FEMA's National Risk Index, which analyzes expected annual loss, social vulnerability, and community resilience for each hazard type.
How does Lincoln County risk compare to the Missouri average?
Lincoln County's composite risk percentile is 67th, compared to the Missouri state average of 51th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Lincoln County faces higher natural disaster risk than the typical county in Missouri.
Is Lincoln County at risk for earthquake?
Yes, Lincoln County's earthquake risk is at the 78th percentile nationally. This places it in the top quartile for this hazard type. For flooding specifically, Lincoln County is at the 70th percentile.
How is natural disaster risk measured?
FEMA's National Risk Index (NRI) calculates risk scores for 18 natural hazard types across all U.S. counties and census tracts. The composite score combines Expected Annual Loss (estimated dollar losses from each hazard), Social Vulnerability (demographic factors affecting disaster impact), and Community Resilience (ability to recover). Percentile scores rank each county against all 3,144 U.S. counties, and risk ratings range from Very Low to Very High.
Why is Lincoln County higher risk than average?
Lincoln County's composite risk score of 67th percentile is above the Missouri state average of 51th percentile. This elevated risk is driven by earthquake exposure (78th percentile), along with tornado and flooding and wildfire risk. Geographic location, terrain, climate patterns, and proximity to flood zones or fault lines all influence a county's risk profile.

Counties with Similar Risk

Wayne County

Missouri

-0.1

Relatively Low

67th percentile

Benton County

Missouri

-0.3

Relatively Low

67th percentile

Christian County

Missouri

-0.6

Relatively Low

66th percentile

By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

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.

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