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FEMA NRI 1.19.0Updated Nov 2023 · Coverage 2014–2023Methodology

Pemiscot County Disaster Risk

Pemiscot County, Missouri

FEMA Risk Rating

Relatively Low

National Percentile

78th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#18

of 115 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

28th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Very Low

Higher than 28% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Very Low

Higher than 4% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Moderate

Higher than 84% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Relatively High

Higher than 96% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 46% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Pemiscot County, Missouri

Pemiscot faces exceptional earthquake risk

Pemiscot County's composite risk score of 77.96 places it among the higher-risk counties nationally, driven primarily by an exceptional earthquake risk score of 96.18. This seismic exposure reflects the county's proximity to the New Madrid Seismic Zone, one of North America's most active fault systems.

Pemiscot ranks well above state average

Pemiscot County's composite risk score of 77.96 significantly exceeds Missouri's state average of 50.56, placing it among the state's highest-risk counties. The county's earthquake risk of 96.18 is the highest in Missouri, making seismic hazards a primary concern for residents and property owners.

Pemiscot's earthquake risk stands alone

Pemiscot County's earthquake risk of 96.18 dramatically exceeds nearby Dunklin and New Madrid counties, making it a seismic hotspot in the bootheel region. While tornado risk at 83.84 matches regional patterns, the earthquake exposure sets Pemiscot apart as uniquely vulnerable to ground movement.

Earthquakes and tornadoes dominate threats

Pemiscot County faces exceptional earthquake risk at 96.18, the highest statewide, combined with tornado risk at 83.84 that ranks among state leaders. The convergence of these two major hazards creates a particularly vulnerable situation requiring comprehensive preparedness and specialized insurance protections.

Earthquake coverage is non-negotiable

Pemiscot County homeowners must secure earthquake insurance or special endorsements, as standard policies exclude seismic damage in this high-risk zone. Tornado protection remains equally critical; residents should combine structural reinforcement, weather alerts, and comprehensive coverage to address both dominant threats.

Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Pemiscot County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    EarthquakePrepare
    96th percentile
  2. #2
    TornadoPrepare
    84th percentile
  3. #3
    HurricanePrepare
    46th percentile

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)

Local Resources

Risk Advisory: Pemiscot County

Risk Verdict

Pemiscot County has a below-average natural disaster risk profile, scoring at the 78th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. This risk level calls for more than general awareness: insurance coverage review, a family communication plan, and a prepared go-bag are practical priorities.

Hazard Breakdown

Earthquake risk is Pemiscot County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 96th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 84th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (46th percentile), flood (28th percentile), wildfire (4th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Earthquake risk is Pemiscot County's leading natural hazard, ranked at the 96th percentile nationally. Securing tall furniture, water heaters, and bookcases to walls with anti-tip hardware is among the simplest and most effective life-safety measures households can take. The county's tornado risk at the 84th percentile nationally is a seasonal consideration alongside the year-round earthquake threat, requiring awareness of both hazard types. Pemiscot County residents should locate the main gas shutoff valve and keep an appropriate wrench nearby — gas leaks cause a significant share of earthquake-related injuries and fires, and the shutoff step is safe to take immediately after shaking stops.

Regional Context

Pemiscot County's composite risk score sits 27.4 points above the Missouri county average, placing it among the more hazard-exposed counties in the state.

Is your household prepared for Pemiscot County's hazards?

Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.

FEMA Ready Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the natural disaster risk in Pemiscot County, MO?
Pemiscot County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Relatively Low, placing it in the 78th percentile nationally out of 3,144 counties. This composite score reflects the county's overall exposure to natural hazards including floods, wildfires, tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes, weighted by expected annual loss and social vulnerability.
What types of natural hazards affect Pemiscot County?
Pemiscot County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: earthquake (96th percentile), tornado (84th percentile), hurricane (46th percentile), flooding (28th percentile), wildfire (4th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is earthquake at the 96th percentile nationally. These scores are derived from FEMA's National Risk Index, which analyzes expected annual loss, social vulnerability, and community resilience for each hazard type.
How does Pemiscot County risk compare to the Missouri average?
Pemiscot County's composite risk percentile is 78th, compared to the Missouri state average of 51th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Pemiscot County faces higher natural disaster risk than the typical county in Missouri.
Is Pemiscot County at risk for earthquake?
Yes, Pemiscot County's earthquake risk is at the 96th percentile nationally. This places it in the top quartile for this hazard type. For flooding specifically, Pemiscot County is at the 28th percentile.
How is natural disaster risk measured?
FEMA's National Risk Index (NRI) calculates risk scores for 18 natural hazard types across all U.S. counties and census tracts. The composite score combines Expected Annual Loss (estimated dollar losses from each hazard), Social Vulnerability (demographic factors affecting disaster impact), and Community Resilience (ability to recover). Percentile scores rank each county against all 3,144 U.S. counties, and risk ratings range from Very Low to Very High.
Why is Pemiscot County higher risk than average?
Pemiscot County's composite risk score of 78th percentile is above the Missouri state average of 51th percentile. This elevated risk is driven by earthquake exposure (96th percentile), along with tornado risk. Geographic location, terrain, climate patterns, and proximity to flood zones or fault lines all influence a county's risk profile.

Counties with Similar Risk

Howell County

Missouri

-0.2

Relatively Low

78th percentile

Newton County

Missouri

-0.4

Relatively Low

78th percentile

St. Francois County

Missouri

+0.6

Relatively Low

79th percentile

By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

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.

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