Marion County Disaster Risk
Marion County, Missouri
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
48th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#64
of 115 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
59th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 59% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 31% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 46% 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 16% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Marion County, Missouri
Marion County's risk hovers near average
With a composite risk score of 47.87, Marion County ranks as relatively low and sits slightly below Missouri's state average of 50.56. The county's balanced profile reflects moderate exposure across multiple hazard types.
Slightly below Missouri's average risk
Marion County's score of 47.87 places it just below the state average, making it a moderate-risk area within Missouri's spectrum. The county avoids the extreme exposure seen in some neighboring regions while remaining alert to several hazard types.
Middle ground in regional risk profile
Marion County at 47.87 sits between the safer counties of Livingston (23.03) and Maries (20.83) and the riskier Lincoln County (67.08). It represents the regional median for disaster exposure in north-central Missouri.
Flooding is the primary concern
Flood risk at 59.32 is Marion County's highest hazard, reflecting river and stream exposure across the county. Earthquake risk at 50.92 and tornado risk at 45.80 remain moderate, while wildfire and hurricane threats are minimal.
Flood insurance strongly recommended
Marion County residents should prioritize flood insurance given the 59.32 flood risk score—standard homeowners policies do not cover flood damage. Maintain your home's drainage systems and elevation protections, particularly if you live near the Mississippi River or its tributaries.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Marion County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Marion County
Risk Verdict
Marion County has a below-average natural disaster risk profile, scoring at the 48th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Being ranked at the 48th percentile nationally is an advantage for Marion County — it means fewer statistically likely events, though basic readiness ensures households are covered when exceptions occur.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Marion County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 59th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 51th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (46th percentile), wildfire (31th percentile), hurricane (16th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Marion County's top natural hazard is flood risk, ranked at the 59th percentile nationally. Homeowners here should confirm whether they are in a FEMA-designated flood zone and check if standard homeowners insurance covers flood damage — it typically does not. Alongside flooding, earthquake exposure at the 51th percentile means households benefit from a multi-hazard preparedness plan rather than focusing on flood alone. For most Marion County households, the highest-return preparedness step is storing critical documents in digital cloud backup combined with a pre-designated family meeting point if communication is disrupted.
Regional Context
At just 2.7 composite points from the Missouri average, Marion County's natural disaster risk is closely in line with its in-state peers.
Is your household prepared for Marion County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Marion County, MO?
What types of natural hazards affect Marion County?
How does Marion County risk compare to the Missouri average?
Is Marion County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Marion 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.