Scotland County Disaster Risk
Scotland County, Missouri
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
33th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#77
of 115 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
18th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 18% 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 52% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 30% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 20% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Scotland County, Missouri
Scotland County carries below-average risk nationally
Scotland County's composite risk score of 32.95 sits well below the national average, earning a 'Very Low' rating overall. The county's favorable profile reflects minimal flood and earthquake exposure, though wildfire and tornado threats remain moderate regional concerns.
Among Missouri's safest counties
Scotland County's 32.95 composite score ranks significantly below Missouri's 50.56 state average, placing it solidly in the state's lower-risk tier. Only a handful of Missouri counties—notably Schuyler—carry lower overall natural disaster exposure.
Safer than most surrounding counties
Scotland County's 32.95 score outperforms neighboring Ray County (44.37), Saline County (51.62), and most other regional peers in terms of overall safety. Its low flood risk (18.26) particularly sets it apart from counties along major river systems.
Wildfire risk stands above other threats
Wildfire risk (55.15) represents Scotland County's most significant natural hazard exposure, though still moderate compared to national wildfire-prone regions. Tornado risk (51.78) ranks second, with flood (18.26), earthquake (30.28), and hurricane (19.90) threats all remaining well below statewide averages.
Focus on wildfire defense and maintenance
Scotland County homeowners should maintain defensible space around structures by clearing dead vegetation and tree branches, reducing wildfire risk. Standard homeowner insurance typically covers wildfire damage, but ensuring adequate coverage limits and maintaining property inspections provides the best protection in this relatively low-risk county.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Scotland County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Scotland County
Risk Verdict
At the 33th percentile nationally, Scotland County experiences relatively limited natural hazard pressure compared to most of the country. Scotland County's 33th percentile ranking is favorable, though every county carries at least one natural hazard worth knowing — reviewing the specific risks listed above helps households focus their preparedness where it matters most.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Scotland County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 55th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 52th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (30th percentile), hurricane (20th percentile), flood (18th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Scotland County's dominant hazard is wildfire, ranked at the 55th percentile nationally. Maintaining at least 30 feet of lean, clean vegetation around structures in Scotland County and keeping gutters clear of debris significantly reduces ignition risk from wind-driven embers. Alongside wildfire, tornado at the 52th percentile nationally means a multi-season preparedness mindset — fire season and flood or storm season often require different household plans. Scotland County's households benefit from reviewing homeowners insurance before fire season, specifically whether the policy covers replacement cost rather than actual cash value, and whether it includes additional living expenses if displacement is required.
Regional Context
A composite score 17.6 points below the Missouri state average puts Scotland County in a better-than-typical position relative to neighboring counties.
Is your household prepared for Scotland County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Scotland County, MO?
What types of natural hazards affect Scotland County?
How does Scotland County risk compare to the Missouri average?
Is Scotland County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Scotland 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.