Phelps County Disaster Risk
Phelps County, Missouri
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
54th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#56
of 115 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
52th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 52% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 58% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 38% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 79% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 26% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Phelps County, Missouri
Phelps County's moderate risk profile
Phelps County scores 53.72 on the national composite risk scale, placing it slightly above the national average and marking it as relatively low risk overall. This score reflects a balanced hazard profile where earthquake risk (79.48) stands out as notably elevated compared to other threats in the county.
Above average for Missouri
With a score of 53.72, Phelps County ranks above Missouri's state average of 50.56, positioning it in the middle tier of the state's 114 counties. The county's composite risk is driven primarily by earthquake exposure rather than the flooding and tornado risks that dominate other parts of Missouri.
Compared to surrounding counties
Phelps County's risk profile (53.72) sits between nearby Pike County (40.30, very low) and Pulaski County (60.53, relatively low). While Phelps faces higher earthquake risk than Pike, it experiences lower overall composite risk than Pulaski, which sits directly to the south.
Earthquakes and wildfires pose concern
Phelps County's earthquake risk of 79.48 is its most significant hazard, substantially higher than the state average. Wildfire risk (57.86) and flood risk (52.35) round out the top three threats, though tornado risk (38.45) remains relatively modest compared to other Missouri counties.
Secure your home against multiple threats
Residents should prioritize comprehensive homeowners insurance that covers earthquake damage, a rare but critical need in Phelps County. Adding flood insurance and ensuring adequate coverage for wildfire-related losses will provide protection against the county's full range of natural hazards.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Phelps County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Phelps County
Risk Verdict
Phelps County sits below the national average for natural disaster exposure, ranking at the 54th percentile across all U.S. counties. Understanding the specific hazards behind Phelps County's ranking helps residents prioritize where to direct emergency planning efforts.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Phelps County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 79th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 58th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (52th percentile), tornado (38th percentile), hurricane (26th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 79th percentile nationally for earthquake risk, Phelps County is in a zone where a post-earthquake communications plan matters almost as much as pre-earthquake structural preparation — phone networks are typically congested for hours after a significant event. The county's wildfire risk at the 58th percentile nationally is a seasonal consideration alongside the year-round earthquake threat, requiring awareness of both hazard types. For Phelps County households, the three highest-impact earthquake preparedness actions are: (1) anchor heavy furniture and water heaters, (2) store three days of water at one gallon per person per day, and (3) identify a family reunification plan for the post-quake communication blackout period.
Regional Context
Phelps County's composite risk score is within 3.2 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 Phelps County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Phelps County, MO?
What types of natural hazards affect Phelps County?
How does Phelps County risk compare to the Missouri average?
Is Phelps County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Phelps County higher risk than average?
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.