Reynolds County Disaster Risk
Reynolds County, Missouri
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
64th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#40
of 115 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
54th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 54% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 49% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 42% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 73% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 25% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Reynolds County, Missouri
Reynolds County faces above-average earthquake risk
Reynolds County's composite risk score of 63.87 exceeds the national average, driven largely by exceptional earthquake exposure (72.55) that towers above typical U.S. county levels. While its 'Relatively Low' overall rating reflects a less severe composite risk profile, the earthquake threat deserves serious local planning attention.
Mid-range risk within Missouri
Reynolds County's 63.87 score places it above Missouri's 50.56 state average, ranking it in the upper-middle tier of state disaster risk. The county's earthquake exposure is particularly notable compared to western and central Missouri peers.
Earthquakes set Reynolds apart from neighbors
Reynolds County's 72.55 earthquake score significantly exceeds neighboring Ripley County (87.91—even higher) and Shannon County (76.62), positioning it in a seismically active corridor. Its tornado risk (42.46) remains lower than regional peers, giving it more balanced multi-hazard exposure.
Earthquake risk dominates the profile
Earthquakes (72.55) represent Reynolds County's standout natural hazard threat, more than double many national counties' exposure. Flood risk (54.10) and wildfire risk (48.51) rank second and third, with hurricane exposure (25.03) adding moderate additional concern.
Earthquake insurance becomes essential here
Reynolds County homeowners must evaluate earthquake insurance coverage, as standard homeowner policies typically exclude seismic damage. Additionally, securing flood insurance and bracing property structures for ground movement should be top preparedness priorities in this seismically vulnerable region.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Reynolds County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Reynolds County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard pressure in Reynolds County is below the national midpoint, with a composite score at the 64th percentile. Proactive emergency planning and awareness of the specific hazards driving Reynolds County's score can meaningfully reduce household risk.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Reynolds County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 73th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 54th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (49th percentile), tornado (42th percentile), hurricane (25th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Earthquake exposure at the 73th percentile nationally puts Reynolds County in a zone where utilities — gas, water, electrical — are the most common post-quake hazard. Knowing how to shut off the main gas valve is an important household skill to develop before an event occurs. The county's flood risk at the 54th percentile nationally is a seasonal consideration alongside the year-round earthquake threat, requiring awareness of both hazard types. Reynolds County households benefit from keeping shoes and a flashlight near the bed — post-earthquake navigation through debris in the dark is a common cause of secondary injury. This low-cost step has outsized protective value.
Regional Context
Reynolds County is 13.3 composite risk points above the Missouri average, indicating that residents face greater natural hazard exposure than most of their in-state neighbors.
Is your household prepared for Reynolds County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Reynolds County, MO?
What types of natural hazards affect Reynolds County?
How does Reynolds County risk compare to the Missouri average?
Is Reynolds County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Reynolds 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.