Maries County Disaster Risk
Maries County, Missouri
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
21th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#103
of 115 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
29th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 29% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 46% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 44% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 51% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 18% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Maries County, Missouri
Maries County ranks among safest areas
With a composite risk score of 20.83, Maries County is among the nation's safest counties from natural disaster exposure. This very low rating reflects minimal hazard exposure across all major disaster types.
Second-safest county in Missouri
Maries County's score of 20.83 ranks second-lowest in Missouri after Livingston County (23.03), placing it in the state's safest tier. The county sits well below Missouri's average of 50.56 across all hazard categories.
Safest in the central region
Maries County at 20.83 offers the lowest risk in central Missouri, below nearby Marion County (47.87), Macon County (36.77), and Linn County (31.23). Only Livingston County to the northeast provides comparable safety.
Earthquake and tornado exposure moderate
Earthquake risk at 51.46 and tornado risk at 43.86 are Maries County's highest hazards, both well below state averages. Flood, wildfire, and hurricane risks are all minimal, making this one of Missouri's most hazard-resilient counties.
Basic insurance with tornado awareness
Maries County residents can rely on standard homeowners insurance without purchasing specialized earthquake or flood coverage given the county's low exposure. Maintain basic tornado safety awareness and a weather alert system during severe weather season.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Maries County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Maries County
Risk Verdict
Maries County carries a low natural disaster risk burden, scoring at the 21th percentile under the FEMA National Risk Index. A 21th percentile score positions Maries County among the nation's lower-risk counties, a genuinely favorable outcome — one that simple, low-cost preparedness habits can reinforce further.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Maries County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 51th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 46th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (44th percentile), flood (29th percentile), hurricane (18th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Maries County's primary hazard, earthquake, ranks at the 51th 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. The county's wildfire risk at the 46th percentile nationally is a seasonal consideration alongside the year-round earthquake threat, requiring awareness of both hazard types. After a major earthquake, Maries 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, Maries County's composite score runs 29.7 points lower — a gap that reflects the county's relatively modest hazard profile within its state context.
Is your household prepared for Maries County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Maries County, MO?
What types of natural hazards affect Maries County?
How does Maries County risk compare to the Missouri average?
Is Maries County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Maries 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.