Oregon County Disaster Risk
Oregon County, Missouri
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
49th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#63
of 115 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
46th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 46% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 60% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 62% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 82% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 37% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Oregon County, Missouri
Oregon County faces moderate earthquake risk
Oregon County's composite risk score of 48.70 places it near the national average, but masks a distinctive hazard profile dominated by earthquake risk at 82.44. This elevated seismic exposure, combined with moderate wildfire risk of 60.11, creates a different vulnerability pattern than many U.S. counties.
Oregon ranks slightly below state average
Oregon County's composite risk score of 48.70 sits just below Missouri's state average of 50.56, yet its earthquake risk of 82.44 is among the highest statewide. This unusual seismic threat reflects the county's proximity to the New Madrid Seismic Zone, a major fault system spanning multiple states.
Oregon's earthquake risk stands out
Oregon County's earthquake risk of 82.44 substantially exceeds that of nearby Howell and Shannon counties, making it a seismic outlier in the Ozark region. While tornado risk resembles neighbors at 61.99, the earthquake exposure creates a unique risk calculus for property and emergency planning.
Earthquakes and wildfires pose greatest threats
Oregon County faces exceptional earthquake risk at 82.44, the highest hazard in the county and well above most Missouri locations due to New Madrid Seismic Zone proximity. Wildfire risk at 60.11 compounds this exposure, particularly for properties in forested or mountainous areas of the Ozarks.
Earthquake-proof your property
Oregon County homeowners should secure heavy furniture and appliances, brace water heaters, and ensure adequate earthquake insurance coverage or special endorsements. Wildfire exposure demands defensible space maintenance and confirmation that homeowner policies include wildfire protection, especially for rural properties.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Oregon County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Oregon County
Risk Verdict
With a national percentile rank of 49th, Oregon County faces below-average hazard exposure relative to U.S. counties as a whole. At the 49th percentile nationally, Oregon County's natural hazard profile is comparatively favorable — community resilience is reinforced when individual households maintain a reviewed emergency plan.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Oregon County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 82th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 62th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (60th percentile), flood (46th percentile), hurricane (37th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 82th percentile nationally for earthquake exposure, Oregon County households benefit from practicing Drop, Cover, and Hold On — the protocol that minimizes injury during shaking. Getting under a sturdy table or desk and holding on until shaking stops is the key action. The county's tornado risk at the 62th percentile nationally is a seasonal consideration alongside the year-round earthquake threat, requiring awareness of both hazard types. Building age matters for earthquake risk in Oregon County: structures built before local seismic code adoption are statistically more vulnerable. Contacting the local building department about retrofit programs can reveal whether your structure qualifies for mitigation assistance.
Regional Context
Oregon County tracks the Missouri county average closely, sitting 1.9 composite points below the state mean — neither a standout high-risk nor low-risk county within Missouri.
Is your household prepared for Oregon County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Oregon County, MO?
What types of natural hazards affect Oregon County?
How does Oregon County risk compare to the Missouri average?
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Is Oregon 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.