Mercer County Disaster Risk
Mercer County, Missouri
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
12th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#111
of 115 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
18th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 18% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 48% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 44% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 17% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 11% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Mercer County, Missouri
Mercer ranks far below national average
Mercer County's composite risk score of 12.28 places it in the "Very Low" category, well below the national median. Most American counties face significantly higher natural disaster risk, making Mercer one of the safer regions in the country for weather and seismic threats.
Missouri's safest county by far
Mercer's score of 12.28 ranks it as the lowest-risk county in Missouri, substantially below the state average of 50.56. This 76% lower risk than the statewide average reflects genuinely favorable hazard exposure across all major disaster types.
Distinctly safer than surrounding areas
Neighboring counties like Moniteau (31.01) and Monroe (21.18) face notably higher risks, while Miller County to the south scores 55.09. Mercer's exceptional safety makes it a statistical outlier in north-central Missouri.
Wildfire and tornado risks are modest
Wildfire risk scores 48.35 and tornado risk 43.99—both well below state and national averages for these hazards. Flood, earthquake, and hurricane risks all remain minimal, with no single threat posing significant danger to most residents.
Standard homeowners insurance suffices here
Your low-risk profile means standard homeowners insurance provides adequate coverage for the modest threats Mercer faces. Annual policy reviews ensure you're not overinsured for hazards that pose minimal risk to your property.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Mercer County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Mercer County
Risk Verdict
At the 12th percentile nationally, Mercer County experiences relatively limited natural hazard pressure compared to most of the country. At the 12th percentile nationally, Mercer County's natural hazard profile is comparatively favorable — community resilience is reinforced when individual households maintain a reviewed emergency plan.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Mercer County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 48th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 44th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (18th percentile), earthquake (17th percentile), hurricane (11th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Mercer County's dominant hazard is wildfire, ranked at the 48th percentile nationally. Maintaining at least 30 feet of lean, clean vegetation around structures in Mercer County and keeping gutters clear of debris significantly reduces ignition risk from wind-driven embers. A secondary tornado exposure at the 44th percentile nationally means Mercer County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. Mercer County's households benefit from reviewing homeowners insurance before fire season, specifically whether the policy covers replacement cost rather than actual cash value, and whether it includes additional living expenses if displacement is required.
Regional Context
A composite score 38.3 points below the Missouri state average puts Mercer County in a better-than-typical position relative to neighboring counties.
Is your household prepared for Mercer County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Mercer County, MO?
What types of natural hazards affect Mercer County?
How does Mercer County risk compare to the Missouri average?
Is Mercer County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Mercer 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.