Newton County Disaster Risk
Newton County, Missouri
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
78th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#20
of 115 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
80th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 80% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 77% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 88% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 70% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 40% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Newton County, Missouri
Newton's risk is above national average
With a composite risk score of 77.51, Newton County faces relatively low natural disaster risk overall, yet scores higher than the national average across multiple hazard types. This elevated risk profile stems primarily from tornado and wildfire exposure, which threaten residents and property year-round.
Newton ranks well above Missouri average
Newton County's composite risk score of 77.51 significantly exceeds Missouri's state average of 50.56, placing it among the riskier counties statewide. The county's tornado risk of 87.95 and wildfire risk of 77.29 are the primary drivers of this elevated standing.
Newton faces tougher hazards than neighbors
Newton County's composite risk score of 77.51 towers over adjacent Jasper County and nearby Pettis County (61.96), making it notably more vulnerable overall. While neighboring counties share tornado concerns, Newton's wildfire risk is substantially higher, reflecting its geographic exposure.
Tornadoes and wildfires dominate
Tornadoes pose the greatest threat to Newton County with a risk score of 87.95, well above state and national averages, making basement shelters and weather alerts essential. Wildfire risk at 77.29 also demands attention, particularly for properties near forested or grassy areas vulnerable to rapid fire spread.
Secure comprehensive disaster coverage
Newton County residents should prioritize tornado and severe weather coverage, including reinforced shelter spaces and impact-resistant roofing where feasible. Homeowners near wildland-urban interfaces must also verify wildfire exclusions in standard policies and consider additional coverage or defensible space maintenance around structures.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Newton County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Newton County
Risk Verdict
Newton County's FEMA risk score places it at the 78th percentile nationally, indicating lower-than-typical exposure for a U.S. county. At this risk level, having a documented household preparedness plan — not just awareness — is the meaningful next step for Newton County residents.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Newton County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 88th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 80th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (77th percentile), earthquake (70th percentile), hurricane (40th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Tornado exposure at the 88th percentile nationally makes Newton County a county where a battery-powered weather radio — not just smartphone apps — is a worthwhile household investment, given that mobile networks often fail during severe storms. The secondary flood hazard at the 80th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Newton County's preparedness calendar, since flood and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. In Newton County, tornado watches indicate favorable atmospheric conditions while warnings mean rotation has been detected — households benefit from understanding this distinction so they shelter immediately on a warning, not after seeking visual confirmation.
Regional Context
The Missouri county average is 27.0 composite points below Newton County's score, a gap that reflects the county's elevated position in the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for Newton County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Newton County, MO?
What types of natural hazards affect Newton County?
How does Newton County risk compare to the Missouri average?
Is Newton County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Newton 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.