Taney County Disaster Risk
Taney County, Missouri
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
84th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#12
of 115 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
89th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 89% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 68% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 78% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 76% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 38% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Taney County, Missouri
Taney County faces elevated national risk
Taney County's composite risk score of 84.03 earns a Relatively Moderate rating, placing it well above the national average and among higher-exposure counties nationwide. This elevated composite score reflects significant exposure to multiple hazard types clustered in the southern Ozark region.
Second-highest risk in Missouri
Taney County's 84.03 composite score is the highest in Missouri, far exceeding the state average of 50.56 and marking it as the state's most hazard-exposed jurisdiction. This extreme elevation means Taney residents face substantially greater cumulative disaster risk than most Missourians.
Hotspot among Ozark counties
Taney County (84.03) sits at the apex of a high-risk cluster that includes Stone (76.75) and Washington (67.78) counties, making the area a disaster-risk hotspot. The Branson-area region's tourism, terrain, and weather patterns converge to create the state's most hazardous setting.
Floods lead; tornadoes and quakes follow
Flood risk dominates at 89.06—the highest in Missouri—reflecting Table Rock Lake proximity and Ozark creek systems prone to rapid rises. Tornado exposure (77.70) and earthquake risk (76.02) also rank high, creating a triple-threat environment unique in the state.
Flood insurance is non-negotiable
Flood risk at 89.06 makes separate flood coverage absolutely essential for Taney County residents, whether in mapped floodplains or not. Pair this with comprehensive homeowners coverage including earthquake endorsement, given the area's multi-hazard exposure and the cumulative cost of underinsurance.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Taney County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Taney County
Risk Verdict
Taney County's overall risk score at the 84th percentile nationally signals meaningful exposure to multiple natural hazard types. Comprehensive household preparedness — including reviewing insurance, maintaining emergency supplies, and knowing evacuation routes — is strongly recommended.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Taney County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 89th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 78th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (76th percentile), wildfire (68th percentile), hurricane (38th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Taney County sits at the 89th percentile nationally for flood exposure. Knowing your property's flood zone designation — available at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center — is the first step toward understanding actual exposure and insurance options. Secondary tornado exposure at the 78th percentile adds a second preparedness layer; households should review coverage options and alert sign-up for both hazard types. Regardless of specific hazard, Taney County households benefit from a practiced communication plan: a designated out-of-state contact and a pre-agreed evacuation destination established before the season's peak risk period.
Regional Context
Compared to other Missouri counties, Taney County runs 33.5 composite risk points higher than the state mean — reflecting above-average hazard concentration in this area.
Is your household prepared for Taney County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Taney County, MO?
What types of natural hazards affect Taney County?
How does Taney County risk compare to the Missouri average?
Is Taney County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Taney 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.