Macon County Disaster Risk
Macon County, Missouri
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
37th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#74
of 115 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
48th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 48% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 53% 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 54% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 21% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Macon County, Missouri
Macon County's risk remains quite low
With a composite risk score of 36.77, Macon County ranks in the very low category, performing better than the national average for disaster risk. This moderate profile reflects manageable exposure to most natural hazards across the county.
Below-average risk within Missouri
Macon County's score of 36.77 sits well below Missouri's state average of 50.56, placing it in the safer half of Missouri's 115 counties. The county benefits from relatively low exposure to seismic and wildfire activity.
Safer than Lincoln County, riskier than Livingston
Macon County at 36.77 exceeds the safety of Livingston County (23.03) but remains substantially safer than Lincoln County (67.08) to the northeast. It ranks as a moderate-risk area within its regional cluster.
Tornadoes and floods top the list
Tornado risk at 66.03 and flood risk at 47.68 are Macon County's primary hazards, though both remain below state averages. Earthquake exposure at 54.45 is moderate, while wildfire and hurricane risks are relatively minimal.
Standard coverage plus flood insurance
Macon County residents should maintain comprehensive homeowners insurance and seriously consider flood coverage given the 47.68 flood risk score. Establish a tornado safety plan and ensure your home can withstand severe winds, particularly in spring months.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Macon County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Macon County
Risk Verdict
Macon County sits in the lower tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure, ranked at the 37th percentile nationally. Macon County residents can take confidence from a 37th percentile ranking, but even lower-risk counties benefit from a practiced household communication plan and awareness of the specific hazards listed above.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Macon County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 66th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 54th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (53th percentile), flood (48th percentile), hurricane (21th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 66th percentile nationally for tornado risk, Macon 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. The secondary earthquake hazard at the 54th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Macon County's preparedness calendar, since earthquake and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. For Macon 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
Macon County falls 13.8 points below Missouri's typical county risk level, making it one of the safer natural-hazard environments in the state.
Is your household prepared for Macon County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Macon County, MO?
What types of natural hazards affect Macon County?
How does Macon County risk compare to the Missouri average?
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How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Macon 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.