McDonald County Disaster Risk
McDonald County, Missouri
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
64th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#38
of 115 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
74th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 74% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 73% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 73% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 39% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 32% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in McDonald County, Missouri
McDonald County faces above-average risk
With a composite risk score of 63.99, McDonald County ranks as relatively low but significantly above the national average for disaster risk. The county's profile reflects material exposure to flooding, tornadoes, and wildfires that warrant active preparedness.
Higher risk than most Missouri counties
McDonald County's score of 63.99 substantially exceeds Missouri's state average of 50.56, placing it in the upper tier of the state's 115 counties. The county faces more comprehensive hazard exposure than most of its peers statewide.
Riskiest in its immediate region
At 63.99, McDonald County far exceeds the risk profiles of nearby Maries County (20.83), Marion County (47.87), and Macon County (36.77). It ranks second only to Lincoln County (67.08) among this cluster of counties.
Triple threat: floods, tornadoes, wildfires
Flood risk at 73.73, tornado risk at 73.35, and wildfire risk at 72.81 create a formidable trio of hazards in McDonald County. These three hazards each exceed state averages and require comprehensive local preparedness strategies.
Multi-hazard insurance essential
McDonald County residents must secure flood insurance, maintain comprehensive homeowners coverage for tornado and wind damage, and understand wildfire mitigation strategies. Work with local emergency management to ensure your property is protected from all three primary threats.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in McDonald County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: McDonald County
Risk Verdict
McDonald County sits below the national average for natural disaster exposure, ranking at the 64th percentile across all U.S. counties. Understanding the specific hazards behind McDonald County's ranking helps residents prioritize where to direct emergency planning efforts.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is McDonald County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 74th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 73th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (73th percentile), earthquake (39th percentile), hurricane (32th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With flood ranked as the primary hazard at the 74th percentile nationally, McDonald County households should build a go-bag that includes important documents, medications, and supplies to sustain the family for at least three days if evacuation is needed. The county's second-ranked hazard, tornado at the 73th percentile nationally, means McDonald County residents face compounding risks from multiple natural hazard types during peak seasons. A waterproof container for documents (insurance policies, ID, prescriptions) and a clear household communication plan for when phone networks are congested are the two highest-value low-cost preparedness steps for McDonald County households.
Regional Context
A composite score 13.4 points above the Missouri state average puts McDonald County in a higher-risk category than most counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for McDonald County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in McDonald County, MO?
What types of natural hazards affect McDonald County?
How does McDonald County risk compare to the Missouri average?
Is McDonald County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is McDonald County higher risk than average?
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.