Montgomery County Disaster Risk
Montgomery County, Missouri
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
38th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#73
of 115 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
48th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 48% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 44% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 33% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 69% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 21% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Montgomery County, Missouri
Montgomery carries moderate national risk
Montgomery County's composite risk score of 38.33 places it in the "Very Low" category but above the national median. This score reflects moderate exposure to natural disasters compared to the typical American county.
Lower-risk county in Missouri
Montgomery's score of 38.33 falls 24% below Missouri's state average of 50.56, positioning it firmly in the safer half of the state. This places Montgomery among Missouri's more resilient counties against natural disaster threats.
Safer than most nearby regions
Montgomery's 38.33 exceeds only Monroe (21.18) and Mercer (12.28) among its neighbors, but significantly undercuts Miller (55.09). Compared to regional peers, Montgomery offers better-than-average safety.
Earthquake and flood warrant attention
Earthquake risk scores 69.12 and flood risk 47.93—Montgomery's two most significant threats, though neither reaches truly dangerous levels. Tornado risk at 32.67 remains below state average, while wildfire poses minimal concern.
Evaluate earthquake and flood coverage
Montgomery residents should assess earthquake insurance given the county's elevated seismic exposure at 69.12. Flood insurance warrants evaluation for properties in vulnerable areas, though broader flood risk remains moderate.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Montgomery County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Montgomery County
Risk Verdict
Montgomery County carries a low natural disaster risk burden, scoring at the 38th percentile under the FEMA National Risk Index. Montgomery County's 38th percentile ranking is favorable, though every county carries at least one natural hazard worth knowing — reviewing the specific risks listed above helps households focus their preparedness where it matters most.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Montgomery County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 69th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 48th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (44th percentile), tornado (33th percentile), hurricane (21th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Montgomery County's primary hazard, earthquake, ranks at the 69th percentile nationally. Unreinforced masonry structures carry the highest injury risk during seismic events; residents in older buildings should check with their municipality about available seismic retrofit programs. Alongside earthquake exposure, Montgomery County's flood risk at the 48th percentile nationally reinforces the value of maintaining a household emergency supply cache usable for multiple hazard scenarios. After a major earthquake, Montgomery County residents should expect water service disruption for 24 to 72 or more hours. Storing a minimum of one gallon per person per day for three days — before any event — is the most direct preparedness action households can take.
Regional Context
Compared to the Missouri county average, Montgomery County's composite score runs 12.2 points lower — a gap that reflects the county's relatively modest hazard profile within its state context.
Is your household prepared for Montgomery County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Montgomery County, MO?
What types of natural hazards affect Montgomery County?
How does Montgomery County risk compare to the Missouri average?
Is Montgomery County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Montgomery 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.