Ray County Disaster Risk
Ray County, Missouri
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
44th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#69
of 115 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
49th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 49% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 55% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 58% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 35% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 0% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Ray County, Missouri
Ray County's disaster risk scores well nationally
Ray County's composite risk score of 44.37 sits well below the national average, earning a 'Relatively Low' rating overall. This means residents face fewer compound natural hazard threats than most U.S. counties, though specific risks like tornadoes warrant local attention.
Safer than most Missouri counties
Ray County ranks favorably within Missouri, with its 44.37 score significantly below the state average of 50.56. Among the state's 114 counties, Ray sits in the lower-risk tier for overall natural disaster exposure.
Ray County outperforms nearby peers
Ray County's 44.37 composite score beats adjacent Saline County (51.62) and significantly outpaces Scott County's 80.09 rating. Ray residents enjoy notably lower overall risk than most neighboring counties in north-central Missouri.
Tornadoes and wildfires top the list
Tornado risk (57.92) and wildfire risk (55.03) present Ray County's most significant natural hazards, though both remain below state-average concerns. Flood risk (48.79) rounds out the top three, with earthquake and hurricane threats minimal in this region.
Prepare for severe weather and fire
Ray County homeowners should prioritize tornado and hail coverage, ensuring insurance policies reflect wind-damage exposure. A dedicated wildfire inspection of property defensibility—especially removing dead vegetation near structures—adds critical protection in this region.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Ray County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Ray County
Risk Verdict
With a national percentile rank of 44th, Ray County faces below-average hazard exposure relative to U.S. counties as a whole. At the 44th percentile, Ray County's risk profile is among the more manageable in the country — the hazard-specific breakdown above shows where any remaining preparedness focus is best directed.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Ray County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 58th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 55th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (49th percentile), earthquake (35th percentile), hurricane (0th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 58th percentile nationally for tornado risk, Ray County households benefit most from a reliable alert system — a NOAA weather radio that activates during overnight hours when residents may not be checking smartphone alerts. Wildfire is the second hazard driver for Ray County at the 55th percentile nationally, meaning households should maintain awareness of both severe-weather and wildfire-specific warning systems. For Ray County households, a pre-decided family shelter plan — who goes where, how children are retrieved from school during a warning, and a neighborhood meet-up point if phones fail — provides real protection that no supply kit alone can replicate.
Regional Context
Ray County falls 6.2 points below Missouri's typical county risk level, making it one of the safer natural-hazard environments in the state.
Is your household prepared for Ray County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Ray County, MO?
What types of natural hazards affect Ray County?
How does Ray County risk compare to the Missouri average?
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Is Ray 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.