Miller County Disaster Risk
Miller County, Missouri
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
55th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#50
of 115 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
61th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 61% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 70% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 69% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 67% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 29% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Miller County, Missouri
Miller faces above-average national risk
Miller County's composite risk score of 55.09 places it in the "Relatively Low" category but slightly above the national median. This score reflects elevated exposure to multiple hazard types, particularly wildfire and tornado threats that demand attention.
Higher risk than most Missouri counties
Miller's score of 55.09 exceeds Missouri's state average of 50.56, putting it in the upper-middle range of risk across the state. It ranks as a higher-exposure county within Missouri's natural disaster landscape.
Riskier than most adjacent counties
Miller's 55.09 significantly exceeds neighboring Mercer (12.28) and Monroe (21.18), though it aligns closely with Moniteau (31.01). Compared to statewide peers, Miller carries notably more hazard exposure.
Wildfire and tornado pose dual threats
Wildfire risk scores 70.04 and tornado risk 69.47—both well above state averages and among Miller's most pressing hazards. Earthquake risk also ranks elevated at 66.89, creating a multi-threat environment requiring comprehensive preparedness.
Consider flood and windstorm coverage
Miller residents should evaluate flood insurance alongside standard homeowners policies, as flood risk scores 61.48. Reinforcing roof anchors and upgrading windows protects against Miller's elevated tornado risk.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Miller County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Miller County
Risk Verdict
Miller County's FEMA risk score places it at the 55th percentile nationally, indicating lower-than-typical exposure for a U.S. county. A moderate composite score often means one or two hazard categories are doing the heavy lifting — knowing which ones matters for preparation.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Miller County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 70th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 69th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (67th percentile), flood (61th percentile), hurricane (29th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Miller County sits at the 70th percentile for wildfire exposure. Signing up for Miller County's county emergency alert system and knowing the pre-planned evacuation route before conditions deteriorate are the two highest-value preparedness actions for residents here. The county's tornado exposure at the 69th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. In Miller County, wildfire smoke often precedes the flame front by hours or days; households benefit from tracking EPA's AirNow.gov and having HEPA air filtration available as a first line of indoor protection when air quality alerts are issued.
Regional Context
Miller County sits within 4.5 composite points of the Missouri state average, suggesting the county's hazard exposure is representative of the broader regional pattern.
Is your household prepared for Miller County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Miller County, MO?
What types of natural hazards affect Miller County?
How does Miller County risk compare to the Missouri average?
Is Miller County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Miller 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.