Monroe County Disaster Risk
Monroe County, Missouri
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
21th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#101
of 115 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
24th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 24% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 32% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 43% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 46% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 19% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Monroe County, Missouri
Monroe ranks among America's safest
Monroe County's composite risk score of 21.18 places it in the "Very Low" category, well below the national median. This score reflects genuinely favorable exposure to natural disasters compared to most American counties.
Second-safest county in Missouri
Monroe's score of 21.18 ranks second only to Mercer County (12.28) in Missouri, sitting 58% below the state average of 50.56. Monroe residents enjoy among the lowest natural disaster risk in the entire state.
Clearly safer than surrounding counties
Monroe's 21.18 substantially undercuts neighboring Moniteau (31.01), Miller (55.09), and Mississippi (57.19). Only Mercer to the north matches Monroe's exceptional safety profile.
Tornado and earthquake pose minor threats
Tornado risk scores 43.16 and earthquake risk 45.96—both well below state averages and Monroe's most notable hazards. All other disaster types remain minimal, with flood, wildfire, and hurricane risks all scoring under 32.
Standard coverage meets Monroe's needs
Your exceptional safety profile means standard homeowners insurance provides comprehensive protection across all major hazards. Focus on routine policy reviews to ensure adequate coverage limits rather than specialized disaster insurance.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Monroe County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Monroe County
Risk Verdict
Monroe County's overall natural disaster score at the 21th percentile puts it well below the national median for hazard exposure. At the 21th percentile, Monroe County's risk profile is among the more manageable in the country — the hazard-specific breakdown above shows where any remaining preparedness focus is best directed.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Monroe County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 46th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 43th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (32th percentile), flood (24th percentile), hurricane (19th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Earthquake exposure at the 46th percentile nationally puts Monroe County in a zone where utilities — gas, water, electrical — are the most common post-quake hazard. Knowing how to shut off the main gas valve is an important household skill to develop before an event occurs. The county's tornado risk at the 43th percentile nationally is a seasonal consideration alongside the year-round earthquake threat, requiring awareness of both hazard types. Monroe County households benefit from keeping shoes and a flashlight near the bed — post-earthquake navigation through debris in the dark is a common cause of secondary injury. This low-cost step has outsized protective value.
Regional Context
Monroe County's composite risk score sits 29.4 points below the Missouri county average, reflecting a more favorable hazard environment than the state typical.
Is your household prepared for Monroe County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Monroe County, MO?
What types of natural hazards affect Monroe County?
How does Monroe County risk compare to the Missouri average?
Is Monroe County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Monroe 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.