Ozark County Disaster Risk
Ozark County, Missouri
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
36th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#76
of 115 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
42th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 42% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 61% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 52% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 65% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 27% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Ozark County, Missouri
Ozark County ranks very low for risk
Ozark County's composite risk score of 35.72 rates as very low and sits substantially below Missouri's state average of 50.56. This favorable standing reflects relatively modest hazard exposure across most natural disaster types, making Ozark a lower-risk location overall.
Ozark sits well below state average
Ozark County's composite risk score of 35.72 places it well below Missouri's state average of 50.56, ranking it among the state's safer counties. The county avoids extreme exposure in any single hazard category, creating a balanced and generally favorable risk profile.
Ozark safer than many surrounding areas
Ozark County's composite risk score of 35.72 compares favorably to neighboring Douglas and Taney counties, reflecting a more protected risk environment. The county's moderate earthquake risk of 64.66 and wildfire risk of 60.75 remain below state averages despite the Ozark region's natural hazard exposure.
Wildfire and earthquake moderate concerns
Ozark County's highest risks are wildfire at 60.75 and earthquake at 64.66, both moderate and below state averages, reflecting the county's Ozark region location. Tornado risk at 51.84 rounds out the hazard profile, creating a diversified but manageable overall exposure.
Balance coverage across multiple hazards
Ozark County homeowners should ensure standard coverage for tornado and earthquake damage while maintaining wildfire protection for properties near forested areas. The county's favorable overall risk profile doesn't eliminate the need for basic preparedness and appropriate insurance endorsements.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Ozark County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Ozark County
Risk Verdict
Ozark County carries a low natural disaster risk burden, scoring at the 36th percentile under the FEMA National Risk Index. Even at the 36th percentile, Ozark County's composite score reflects real hazard exposure categories — knowing which ones apply locally enables targeted, efficient household preparedness.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Ozark County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 65th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 61th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (52th percentile), flood (42th percentile), hurricane (27th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Ozark County's primary hazard, earthquake, ranks at the 65th 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. Wildfire at the 61th percentile nationally is a separate hazard dimension for Ozark County that requires different protective strategies from earthquake preparedness. After a major earthquake, Ozark 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, Ozark County's composite score runs 14.8 points lower — a gap that reflects the county's relatively modest hazard profile within its state context.
Is your household prepared for Ozark County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Ozark County, MO?
What types of natural hazards affect Ozark County?
How does Ozark County risk compare to the Missouri average?
Is Ozark County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Ozark 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.