Osage County Disaster Risk
Osage County, Missouri
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
33th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#78
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
Very Low
Higher than 36% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 54% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 56% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 14% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Osage County, Missouri
Osage County has the lowest risk profile
Osage County's composite risk score of 32.92 rates as very low and sits well below both Missouri's state average of 50.56 and the national average. This favorable profile reflects relatively modest exposure across all hazard types, making Osage one of Missouri's safest counties for natural disaster risk.
Osage ranks among Missouri's safest
With a composite risk score of 32.92, Osage County ranks significantly below Missouri's state average of 50.56, placing it among the state's lowest-risk counties. No single hazard type dominates Osage's profile, creating a balanced and generally favorable risk environment.
Osage safer than surrounding counties
Osage County's composite risk score of 32.92 is notably lower than adjacent Montgomery and Cole counties, reflecting a safer overall hazard profile. The county's moderate tornado risk of 53.56 remains below regional averages, contributing to its favorable standing.
Earthquake risk edges above other hazards
Osage County's highest individual risk is earthquake at 55.92, still moderate and below state averages, followed by flood risk at 47.52. This balanced hazard profile means residents face no single overwhelming threat, though preparedness remains prudent.
Maintain standard coverage and awareness
Osage County residents benefit from the county's favorable risk profile but should still maintain comprehensive homeowner insurance covering tornado, flood, and earthquake damage. Regular property inspections and emergency preparedness planning remain wise practices regardless of low-risk status.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Osage County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Osage County
Risk Verdict
Osage County's overall natural disaster score at the 33th percentile puts it well below the national median for hazard exposure. The 33th percentile national ranking is one lens; Osage County residents also benefit from reviewing which specific hazard types drive the county's composite score and preparing accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Osage County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 56th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 54th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (48th percentile), wildfire (36th percentile), hurricane (14th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Earthquake exposure at the 56th percentile nationally puts Osage 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. Alongside earthquake exposure, Osage County's tornado risk at the 54th percentile nationally reinforces the value of maintaining a household emergency supply cache usable for multiple hazard scenarios. Osage 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
Osage County's composite risk score sits 17.6 points below the Missouri county average, reflecting a more favorable hazard environment than the state typical.
Is your household prepared for Osage County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Osage County, MO?
What types of natural hazards affect Osage County?
How does Osage County risk compare to the Missouri average?
Is Osage County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Osage 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.