Nodaway County Disaster Risk
Nodaway County, Missouri
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
46th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#67
of 115 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
51th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 51% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 53% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 75% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 19% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 0% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Nodaway County, Missouri
Nodaway's risk sits near national average
Nodaway County's composite risk score of 45.58 places it in the relatively low risk category, performing slightly below Missouri's state average of 50.56. The county's primary hazard is tornado risk at 75.32, which elevates exposure despite otherwise manageable hazard levels.
Nodaway ranks below Missouri average
With a composite risk score of 45.58, Nodaway County performs better than Missouri's state average of 50.56, placing it among the safer counties statewide. However, its tornado risk of 75.32 reminds residents that below-average overall risk does not mean immunity from severe weather events.
Nodaway safer than some northwest peers
Nodaway County's composite risk score of 45.58 is lower than Worth County to the north, reflecting somewhat better overall hazard profiles. Tornado risk remains relatively consistent across this northwest region, though Nodaway avoids the extreme earthquake exposure found in some neighboring counties.
Tornadoes the primary concern
Tornado risk dominates Nodaway County at 75.32, substantially higher than the county's other hazard exposures and reflecting the Midwest's seasonal severe weather patterns. Residents should maintain storm shelters and monitor spring and fall weather forecasts closely during peak tornado season.
Prioritize severe weather preparedness
Nodaway County homeowners should ensure their insurance covers tornado damage and consider basement or interior room reinforcement for added safety. Regular maintenance of weather alert systems and family emergency plans are equally critical given the county's tornado exposure.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Nodaway County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Nodaway County
Risk Verdict
Nodaway County sits below the national average for natural disaster exposure, ranking at the 46th percentile across all U.S. counties. Being ranked at the 46th percentile nationally is an advantage for Nodaway County — it means fewer statistically likely events, though basic readiness ensures households are covered when exceptions occur.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Nodaway County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 75th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 53th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (51th percentile), earthquake (19th percentile), hurricane (0th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Ranked at the 75th percentile nationally for tornado risk, Nodaway County is in a zone where storm shelters have the highest per-dollar protective value of any mitigation investment. Nodaway County's county shelter map is typically available through the local emergency management office. Wildfire is the second hazard driver for Nodaway County at the 53th percentile nationally, meaning households should maintain awareness of both severe-weather and wildfire-specific warning systems. Nodaway County residents can check the county's emergency management website for community shelter locations nearest their address — a step worth completing now, not during a warning.
Regional Context
Nodaway County's composite risk score is within 5.0 points of the Missouri county average — a close alignment that reflects a broadly representative hazard environment for this part of the state.
Is your household prepared for Nodaway County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Nodaway County, MO?
What types of natural hazards affect Nodaway County?
How does Nodaway County risk compare to the Missouri average?
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How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Nodaway 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.