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

Pulaski County Disaster Risk

Pulaski County, Missouri

FEMA Risk Rating

Relatively Low

National Percentile

61th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#43

of 115 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

62th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 62% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 63% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 62% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 70% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Very Low

Higher than 21% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Pulaski County, Missouri

Pulaski County faces multiple hazards

Pulaski County's composite risk score of 60.53 places it above the national average with a relatively low overall rating, but residents face exposure across multiple hazard types. Wildfire (62.53), flood (62.44), earthquake (69.85), and tornado (61.51) risks are all elevated, creating a complex risk landscape.

Above-average risk in Missouri context

Pulaski County's score of 60.53 ranks it above Missouri's state average of 50.56, placing it among the higher-risk counties in the state. The county's earthquake risk of 69.85 is notably above state norms, alongside significant wildfire and flood exposure.

Riskier than most nearby counties

Pulaski County (60.53) carries higher overall risk than Pike County (40.30), Randolph County (35.85), and Phelps County (53.72). Only Platte County (71.37) exceeds Pulaski's composite risk in the immediate region, though Pulaski's earthquake threat is greater than Platte's.

Earthquakes pose the greatest threat

Pulaski County's earthquake risk of 69.85 is its most significant hazard, substantially higher than state and national averages. Wildfire (62.53), flood (62.44), and tornado (61.51) risks are all remarkably similar and elevated, requiring balanced preparedness across all four hazard types.

Comprehensive coverage is critical

Pulaski County residents need earthquake insurance as a priority given the county's above-average seismic risk, coupled with standard homeowners coverage for wind and impact. Flood insurance is strongly recommended given the 62.44 flood risk score, and creating wildfire-resistant landscaping adds an important layer of home protection.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Pulaski County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    EarthquakePrepare
    70th percentile
  2. #2
    WildfirePrepare
    63th percentile
  3. #3
    FloodPrepare
    62th percentile

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

Local Resources

Risk Advisory: Pulaski County

Risk Verdict

Pulaski County has a below-average natural disaster risk profile, scoring at the 61th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Households in Pulaski County benefit from knowing which individual hazard types — flood, wildfire, tornado, or hurricane — are the primary contributors.

Hazard Breakdown

Earthquake risk is Pulaski County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 70th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 63th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (62th percentile), tornado (62th percentile), hurricane (21th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Earthquake risk is Pulaski County's leading natural hazard, ranked at the 70th 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. Alongside earthquake exposure, Pulaski County's wildfire risk at the 63th percentile nationally reinforces the value of maintaining a household emergency supply cache usable for multiple hazard scenarios. Pulaski 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

Pulaski County's composite risk score sits 10.0 points above the Missouri county average, placing it among the more hazard-exposed counties in the state.

Is your household prepared for Pulaski 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 Pulaski County, MO?
Pulaski County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Relatively Low, placing it in the 61th 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 Pulaski County?
Pulaski County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: earthquake (70th percentile), wildfire (63th percentile), flooding (62th percentile), tornado (62th percentile), hurricane (21th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is earthquake at the 70th 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 Pulaski County risk compare to the Missouri average?
Pulaski County's composite risk percentile is 61th, compared to the Missouri state average of 51th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Pulaski County faces higher natural disaster risk than the typical county in Missouri.
Is Pulaski County at risk for earthquake?
Yes, Pulaski County's earthquake risk is at the 70th percentile nationally. This is above the national median. For flooding specifically, Pulaski County is at the 62th 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 Pulaski County higher risk than average?
Pulaski County's composite risk score of 61th percentile is above the Missouri state average of 51th percentile. This elevated risk is driven by earthquake exposure (70th percentile), along with wildfire and flooding and 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

Pettis County

Missouri

+1.4

Relatively Low

62th percentile

Texas County

Missouri

+1.9

Relatively Low

62th percentile

Shannon County

Missouri

-3.0

Relatively Low

58th 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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