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

Saline County Disaster Risk

Saline County, Missouri

FEMA Risk Rating

Relatively Low

National Percentile

52th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#60

of 115 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

58th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 58% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Very Low

Higher than 30% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 61% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 60% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Very Low

Higher than 25% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Saline County, Missouri

Saline County slightly exceeds national risk average

Saline County's composite risk score of 51.62 hovers just above the national average, earning a 'Relatively Low' rating with moderately balanced hazard exposure. The county's risk profile reflects meaningful tornado and earthquake threats alongside moderate flood exposure.

Just above Missouri's statewide average

Saline County's 51.62 composite score marginally exceeds Missouri's 50.56 state average, placing it in the lower-middle tier of state disaster risk. The county ranks slightly higher-risk than some neighbors but lower than many counties in the state's southeastern regions.

More exposed than Ray County, less than Scott

Saline County's 51.62 score places it between Ray County (44.37) to the north and Scott County (80.09) to the southeast, reflecting moderate relative risk. Its tornado exposure (60.53) aligns more with statewide concerns than Ray's lower tornado profile.

Tornadoes and flooding lead the threats

Tornado risk (60.53) ranks as Saline County's top natural hazard, followed closely by flood risk (58.49) and earthquake exposure (60.15). Wildfire risk (30.15) remains below regional concerns, making wind and water the dominant hazard drivers in this county.

Secure comprehensive wind and flood coverage

Saline County homeowners should prioritize tornado and hail insurance, ensuring adequate wind-damage protection in their policies. Flood insurance is equally critical given the 58.49 flood risk score, and families should maintain updated emergency kits with storm shelter plans.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Saline County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    TornadoPrepare
    61th percentile
  2. #2
    EarthquakePrepare
    60th percentile
  3. #3
    FloodPrepare
    58th percentile

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

Local Resources

Risk Advisory: Saline County

Risk Verdict

At the 52th percentile nationally, Saline County experiences a manageable level of natural hazard risk that falls below the U.S. median. Saline County's risk profile calls for targeted preparedness, focusing on the hazard categories that dominate the county's score.

Hazard Breakdown

Tornado risk is Saline County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 61th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 60th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (58th percentile), wildfire (30th percentile), hurricane (25th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Saline County's primary hazard, tornado, ranks at the 61th percentile nationally. In Saline County, mobile homes and manufactured housing face significantly higher tornado risk than site-built structures; residents in these homes should identify the nearest permanent community shelter in advance. Earthquake is the second hazard driver for Saline County at the 60th percentile nationally, meaning households should maintain awareness of both severe-weather and earthquake-specific warning systems. The highest-risk window for tornado fatalities is overnight, when Saline County residents may be asleep. A NOAA weather radio with overnight alert capability is the single most impactful low-cost preparedness step available to Saline County households.

Regional Context

At 1.1 points from the Missouri county mean, Saline County's overall disaster risk profile is close to typical for this state, with no dramatic deviation in either direction.

Is your household prepared for Saline 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 Saline County, MO?
Saline County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Relatively Low, placing it in the 52th 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 Saline County?
Saline County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: tornado (61th percentile), earthquake (60th percentile), flooding (58th percentile), wildfire (30th percentile), hurricane (25th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is tornado at the 61th 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 Saline County risk compare to the Missouri average?
Saline County's composite risk percentile is 52th, compared to the Missouri state average of 51th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Saline County faces higher natural disaster risk than the typical county in Missouri.
Is Saline County at risk for tornado?
Yes, Saline County's tornado risk is at the 61th percentile nationally. This is above the national median. For flooding specifically, Saline County is at the 58th 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 Saline County higher risk than average?
Saline County's composite risk score of 52th percentile is above the Missouri state average of 51th percentile. This elevated risk is driven by tornado exposure (61th percentile), along with earthquake and flooding 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

Audrain County

Missouri

-0.2

Relatively Low

51th percentile

Madison County

Missouri

-0.8

Relatively Low

51th percentile

Lafayette County

Missouri

+0.9

Relatively Low

53th 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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