Ralls County Disaster Risk
Ralls County, Missouri
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
14th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#109
of 115 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
27th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 27% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 32% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 21% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 37% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 11% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Ralls County, Missouri
Ralls County ranks among nation's safest
Ralls County's composite risk score of 14.06 places it far below the national average, earning a very low risk rating overall. While flood risk (27.16) is the county's most significant hazard, it remains modest compared to national norms, and other threats are minimal.
Second-safest county in Missouri
Ralls County's score of 14.06 ranks it just above Putnam County (8.24) as Missouri's safest counties, sitting well below the state average of 50.56. This exceptional resilience makes Ralls one of the state's most disaster-resistant communities.
Safest in its immediate region
Ralls County (14.06) is far safer than Pike County (40.30), Randolph County (35.85), and Phelps County (53.72), with only Putnam County (8.24) approaching its low-risk status. Its flood risk of 27.16 is higher than Putnam's, reflecting its proximity to the Mississippi River.
Flood risk is modest but notable
Ralls County's flood risk of 27.16 is the primary hazard, likely due to proximity to major waterways, though it remains below state averages. Wildfire (32.12) and tornado (21.18) risks are secondary concerns, while earthquake (37.34) and hurricane (10.85) risks remain low.
Standard policy covers most needs
Ralls County residents should carry standard homeowners insurance plus optional flood insurance, particularly for properties in mapped flood zones near waterways. Given the county's overall low-risk profile, additional specialized coverage is rarely necessary for most homeowners.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Ralls County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Ralls County
Risk Verdict
Compared to the nation's 3,144 counties, Ralls County ranks at the 14th percentile for natural disaster risk — toward the safer end of the spectrum. Even at the 14th percentile, Ralls County's composite score reflects real hazard exposure categories — knowing which ones apply locally enables targeted, efficient household preparedness.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Ralls County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 37th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 32th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (27th percentile), tornado (21th percentile), hurricane (11th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With earthquake ranked as the top hazard at the 37th percentile nationally, Ralls County residents benefit from reviewing homeowners insurance: standard policies rarely cover earthquake damage, and separate earthquake insurance must be purchased before an event. The county's wildfire risk at the 32th percentile nationally is a seasonal consideration alongside the year-round earthquake threat, requiring awareness of both hazard types. Earthquake insurance in Ralls County is typically offered as a separate policy — standard homeowners coverage excludes ground movement. Reviewing this gap and comparing policy options before an event is a financial preparedness step with potentially large consequences.
Regional Context
At 36.5 points below the Missouri state average, Ralls County is among the lower-risk counties in the state for natural disaster exposure.
Is your household prepared for Ralls County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Ralls County, MO?
What types of natural hazards affect Ralls County?
How does Ralls County risk compare to the Missouri average?
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How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Ralls 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.