St. Clair County Disaster Risk
St. Clair County, Missouri
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
26th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#93
of 115 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
36th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 36% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 53% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 36% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 42% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 20% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in St. Clair County, Missouri
St. Clair County: Below-Average Risk Profile
St. Clair County's composite risk score of 25.64 qualifies as "Very Low," less than half the national average. Most residents here face substantially lower natural disaster threats than typical Americans.
Among Missouri's Safest Communities
At 25.64, St. Clair County's score is just over half of Missouri's state average of 50.56, placing it in the state's lower-risk tier. The county provides meaningful protection compared to higher-hazard Missouri regions.
Safer Than Most Area Counties
St. Clair County (25.64) is notably safer than Ste. Genevieve County (54.61) and St. Francois County (78.53) nearby, though slightly riskier than Shelby County (15.94). It represents a favorable middle ground in the region.
Wildfire and Earthquake Pose Main Concerns
St. Clair County's highest risks are wildfire (53.15) and earthquake (41.70), followed by more modest flood (35.85) and tornado (36.07) exposure. Wildfire preparedness should be a priority for rural properties.
Targeted Coverage Protects Against Key Threats
St. Clair County homeowners should ensure earthquake and wildfire coverage are included in their policies, particularly those in rural areas. Standard homeowners insurance may not cover all wildfire damage without specific riders.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in St. Clair County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: St. Clair County
Risk Verdict
At the 26th percentile nationally, St. Clair County experiences relatively limited natural hazard pressure compared to most of the country. A 26th percentile score positions St. Clair County among the nation's lower-risk counties, a genuinely favorable outcome — one that simple, low-cost preparedness habits can reinforce further.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is St. Clair County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 53th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 42th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (36th percentile), flood (36th percentile), hurricane (20th percentile).
Preparedness Context
St. Clair County's dominant hazard is wildfire, ranked at the 53th percentile nationally. Maintaining at least 30 feet of lean, clean vegetation around structures in St. Clair County and keeping gutters clear of debris significantly reduces ignition risk from wind-driven embers. The county's earthquake exposure at the 42th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. St. Clair 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 24.9 points below the Missouri state average puts St. Clair County in a better-than-typical position relative to neighboring counties.
Is your household prepared for St. Clair County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in St. Clair County, MO?
What types of natural hazards affect St. Clair County?
How does St. Clair County risk compare to the Missouri average?
Is St. Clair County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is St. Clair 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.