Washington County Disaster Risk
Washington County, Missouri
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
68th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#31
of 115 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
53th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 53% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 56% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 65% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 83% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 30% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Washington County, Missouri
Washington County faces above-average risk
Washington County's composite risk score of 67.78 earns a Relatively Low rating but sits well above the national average, placing it in the higher tier of U.S. county exposure. This elevation reflects the county's location in the Ozark region and exposure to multiple concurrent hazards.
Elevated risk within Missouri
Washington County's 67.78 composite score significantly exceeds Missouri's state average of 50.56, ranking it in the state's higher-risk counties. This above-average exposure positions Washington residents amid the state's earthquake and tornado hotspots.
High-risk Ozark peer
Washington County (67.78) sits within the high-hazard Ozark cluster alongside Taney (84.03), Stone (76.75), and Wayne (67.02), making the region a multi-county disaster hotspot. The county faces substantially greater exposure than neighboring Crawford County to the north and east.
Earthquakes and tornadoes top list
Earthquake risk reaches 82.86—the county's leading hazard and among Missouri's highest—while tornado exposure hits 65.17, reflecting intense seismic and spring-storm activity. Flood (52.64) and wildfire (56.01) risks are moderate but still warrant attention in a multi-hazard environment.
Prioritize earthquake and wind coverage
Washington County's 82.86 earthquake score makes a separate earthquake endorsement absolutely essential, as standard policies exclude this coverage. Layer in comprehensive tornado and wind protection, and evaluate flood insurance for properties in creek valleys to create a complete risk shield.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Washington County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Washington County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard pressure in Washington County is below the national midpoint, with a composite score at the 68th percentile. Proactive emergency planning and awareness of the specific hazards driving Washington County's score can meaningfully reduce household risk.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Washington County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 83th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 65th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (56th percentile), flood (53th percentile), hurricane (30th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Earthquake exposure at the 83th percentile nationally puts Washington County in a zone where utilities — gas, water, electrical — are the most common post-quake hazard. Knowing how to shut off the main gas valve is an important household skill to develop before an event occurs. The county's tornado risk at the 65th percentile nationally is a seasonal consideration alongside the year-round earthquake threat, requiring awareness of both hazard types. Washington County households benefit from keeping shoes and a flashlight near the bed — post-earthquake navigation through debris in the dark is a common cause of secondary injury. This low-cost step has outsized protective value.
Regional Context
Washington County is 17.2 composite risk points above the Missouri average, indicating that residents face greater natural hazard exposure than most of their in-state neighbors.
Is your household prepared for Washington County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Washington County, MO?
What types of natural hazards affect Washington County?
How does Washington County risk compare to the Missouri average?
Is Washington County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Washington 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.