St. Louis County Disaster Risk
St. Louis County, Missouri
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively High
National Percentile
99th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#1
of 115 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
99th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively High
Higher than 99% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 62% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively High
Higher than 98% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively High
Higher than 99% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 45% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in St. Louis County, Missouri
St. Louis County: Nation's Highest-Risk Areas
St. Louis County's composite risk score of 99.33 rates as "Relatively High," placing it among America's most hazard-exposed counties. Nearly every resident faces significantly above-average natural disaster risk.
Missouri's Single Highest-Risk County
At 99.33, St. Louis County far exceeds Missouri's state average of 50.56, representing the state's most dangerous natural hazard environment. The county's risk profile is nearly twice the state mean.
Nearly Identical Risk to St. Louis City
St. Louis County (99.33) and St. Louis City (98.70) form a virtually unified high-risk metropolitan zone with minimal variation. Together they represent the most hazard-exposed region in Missouri by a substantial margin.
Four Major Hazards Converge Here
St. Louis County residents face severe tornado risk (98.06), catastrophic flood danger (99.08), significant earthquake exposure (99.05), and notable hurricane risk (45.10). This unprecedented convergence of multiple major hazards requires sophisticated disaster planning.
Comprehensive Coverage Absolutely Essential
St. Louis County homeowners must secure flood, tornado, and earthquake insurance without exception—all three hazards pose serious threats. Additional investments in storm-resistant upgrades and flood mitigation could save lives and property.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in St. Louis County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: St. Louis County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard exposure in St. Louis County is notably high, placing it at the 99th percentile among all U.S. counties. St. Louis County's elevated composite score reflects cumulative multi-hazard exposure; households should prepare for the county's two or three primary hazard types.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is St. Louis County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 99th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 99th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (98th percentile), wildfire (62th percentile), hurricane (45th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With flood ranked as the primary hazard at the 99th percentile nationally, St. Louis County households should build a go-bag that includes important documents, medications, and supplies to sustain the family for at least three days if evacuation is needed. Secondary earthquake exposure at the 99th percentile adds a second preparedness layer; households should review coverage options and alert sign-up for both hazard types. A waterproof container for documents (insurance policies, ID, prescriptions) and a clear household communication plan for when phone networks are congested are the two highest-value low-cost preparedness steps for St. Louis County households.
Regional Context
A composite score 48.8 points above the Missouri state average puts St. Louis County in a higher-risk category than most counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for St. Louis 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. Louis County, MO?
What types of natural hazards affect St. Louis County?
How does St. Louis County risk compare to the Missouri average?
Is St. Louis County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is St. Louis 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.