Webster County Disaster Risk
Webster County, Missouri
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
45th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#68
of 115 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
43th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 43% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 69% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 66% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 70% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 24% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Webster County, Missouri
Webster County's moderate risk profile
Webster County scores 44.59 on the national disaster risk scale, placing it in the 'Relatively Low' category and below Missouri's state average of 50.56. This means the county faces fewer compounded hazards than most U.S. counties, though specific risks remain significant in certain categories.
Safer than most Missouri counties
At 44.59, Webster County ranks better than average among Missouri's 114 counties, with a composite risk score that sits well below the state average of 50.56. This relatively favorable standing reflects lower flood and hurricane exposure compared to other parts of Missouri.
Notable differences from neighbors
Webster County's composite risk of 44.59 sits between Worth County's very low 8.21 and Wright County's higher 57.41, making it a middle ground for the region. Worth County faces dramatically lower overall risk across nearly all hazard types, while Wright County's earthquake exposure (76.11) significantly outpaces Webster's (70.32).
Earthquakes and wildfires dominate here
Webster County residents face the greatest threats from earthquakes (70.32) and wildfires (69.15), both scoring well above the county's composite average. Tornado risk also merits attention at 65.65, making severe weather preparedness essential for households and businesses.
Insurance priorities for Webster County
Standard homeowners policies typically exclude earthquake and wildfire damage, making separate coverage critical given Webster County's elevated scores in both categories. Residents should also verify tornado coverage and review annual updates as climate conditions evolve.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Webster County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Webster County
Risk Verdict
Webster County has a below-average natural disaster risk profile, scoring at the 45th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. A 45th percentile score positions Webster County among the nation's lower-risk counties, a genuinely favorable outcome — one that simple, low-cost preparedness habits can reinforce further.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Webster County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 70th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 69th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (66th percentile), flood (43th percentile), hurricane (24th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Earthquake risk is Webster County's leading natural hazard, ranked at the 70th percentile nationally. Securing tall furniture, water heaters, and bookcases to walls with anti-tip hardware is among the simplest and most effective life-safety measures households can take. Wildfire at the 69th percentile nationally is a separate hazard dimension for Webster County that requires different protective strategies from earthquake preparedness. Webster County residents should locate the main gas shutoff valve and keep an appropriate wrench nearby — gas leaks cause a significant share of earthquake-related injuries and fires, and the shutoff step is safe to take immediately after shaking stops.
Regional Context
The Missouri county average exceeds Webster County's score by 6.0 composite points — placing this county in the lower-risk tier relative to its in-state peers.
Is your household prepared for Webster County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Webster County, MO?
What types of natural hazards affect Webster County?
How does Webster County risk compare to the Missouri average?
Is Webster County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Webster 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.