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

Scott County Disaster Risk

Scott County, Missouri

FEMA Risk Rating

Relatively Low

National Percentile

80th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#16

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

Very Low

Higher than 11% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Moderate

Higher than 90% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Relatively High

Higher than 96% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Very Low

Higher than 40% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Scott County, Missouri

Scott County faces exceptional tornado and earthquake risks

Scott County's composite risk score of 80.09 far exceeds the national average, representing one of the highest-risk counties in the United States. Tornado risk (89.92) and earthquake exposure (96.15) are particularly extreme, making this a hazard hotspot even by national standards.

Highest-risk county in Missouri

Scott County's 80.09 composite score dramatically exceeds Missouri's 50.56 state average, ranking it as the state's highest-risk county by a significant margin. The county's combined tornado and earthquake exposure is unmatched within Missouri.

Far exceeds risk levels of regional counties

Scott County's 80.09 score towers over neighboring Ray County (44.37), Saline County (51.62), and all other surrounding counties in the region. Its 89.92 tornado score and 96.15 earthquake rating are exceptional even within the broader Midwest context.

Tornadoes and earthquakes dominate threats

Tornadoes (89.92) and earthquakes (96.15) represent Scott County's two most serious natural hazard threats, both reaching near-extreme exposure levels. Hurricane risk (40.09) and flood risk (48.95) rank distant third and fourth, while wildfire remains minimal (11.29).

Comprehensive coverage is essential

Scott County residents must secure robust tornado and hail insurance with high coverage limits, and earthquake insurance is absolutely critical given the 96.15 exposure score. A reinforced safe room or basement shelter, combined with updated emergency plans and regular insurance reviews, represents the essential foundation of disaster preparedness in this highest-risk Missouri county.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Scott County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    EarthquakePrepare
    96th percentile
  2. #2
    TornadoPrepare
    90th percentile
  3. #3
    FloodPrepare
    49th percentile

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

Local Resources

Risk Advisory: Scott County

Risk Verdict

Scott County's FEMA risk score places it at the 80th percentile nationally, indicating lower-than-typical exposure for a U.S. county. At this risk level, having a documented household preparedness plan — not just awareness — is the meaningful next step for Scott County residents.

Hazard Breakdown

Earthquake risk is Scott County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 96th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 90th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (49th percentile), hurricane (40th percentile), wildfire (11th percentile).

Preparedness Context

With earthquake ranked as the top hazard at the 96th percentile nationally, Scott County residents benefit from reviewing homeowners insurance: standard policies rarely cover earthquake damage, and separate earthquake insurance must be purchased before an event. Tornado at the 90th percentile nationally is a separate hazard dimension for Scott County that requires different protective strategies from earthquake preparedness. Earthquake insurance in Scott 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

The Missouri county average is 29.5 composite points below Scott County's score, a gap that reflects the county's elevated position in the state's hazard distribution.

Is your household prepared for Scott 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 Scott County, MO?
Scott County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Relatively Low, placing it in the 80th 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 Scott County?
Scott County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: earthquake (96th percentile), tornado (90th percentile), flooding (49th percentile), hurricane (40th percentile), wildfire (11th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is earthquake at the 96th 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 Scott County risk compare to the Missouri average?
Scott County's composite risk percentile is 80th, compared to the Missouri state average of 51th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Scott County faces higher natural disaster risk than the typical county in Missouri.
Is Scott County at risk for earthquake?
Yes, Scott County's earthquake risk is at the 96th percentile nationally. This places it in the top quartile for this hazard type. For flooding specifically, Scott County is at the 49th 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 Scott County higher risk than average?
Scott County's composite risk score of 80th percentile is above the Missouri state average of 51th percentile. This elevated risk is driven by earthquake exposure (96th percentile), along with tornado 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

Dunklin County

Missouri

+0.0

Relatively Low

80th percentile

St. Francois County

Missouri

-1.6

Relatively Low

79th percentile

Pemiscot County

Missouri

-2.1

Relatively Low

78th 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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