riskbycounty
FEMA NRI 1.19.0Updated Nov 2023 · Coverage 2014–2023Methodology

Worth County Disaster Risk

Worth County, Missouri

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

8th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#114

of 115 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

5th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Very Low

Higher than 5% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Very Low

Higher than 34% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Very Low

Higher than 23% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Very Low

Higher than 6% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Very Low

Higher than 7% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Worth County, Missouri

Worth County stands among safest nationwide

With a composite risk score of 8.21 and a 'Very Low' rating, Worth County ranks well below the national average and far below Missouri's state average of 50.56. This exceptionally low exposure makes it one of the most disaster-resilient counties in the United States.

Missouri's lowest-risk county

Worth County's 8.21 composite score represents the best disaster risk profile in Missouri, dramatically outperforming the state average of 50.56. Every major hazard category—from earthquakes (5.57) to hurricanes (7.22)—scores significantly below statewide norms.

Distinctly safer than regional peers

Worth County's composite risk of 8.21 is less than one-fifth of Webster County's 44.59 and one-seventh of Wright County's 57.41, making it uniquely protected in the region. This advantage spans multiple hazard types, from floods to tornadoes.

Wildfire risk edges ahead slightly

Even Worth County's highest hazard—wildfire risk at 34.10—remains well below state and national norms. All other major disaster risks, including floods (4.61) and earthquakes (5.57), score among the nation's lowest.

Basic coverage likely sufficient

Worth County residents' primary insurance focus should be standard homeowners coverage, as specialty disaster policies carry less urgency here than in higher-risk areas. Nevertheless, reviewing wildfire preparedness and ensuring adequate liability coverage remains prudent for all property owners.

Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Worth County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    WildfirePrepare
    34th percentile
  2. #2
    TornadoPrepare
    23th percentile
  3. #3
    HurricanePrepare
    7th percentile

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)

Risk Advisory: Worth County

Risk Verdict

At the 8th percentile nationally, Worth County experiences relatively limited natural hazard pressure compared to most of the country. Being ranked at the 8th percentile nationally is an advantage for Worth County — it means fewer statistically likely events, though basic readiness ensures households are covered when exceptions occur.

Hazard Breakdown

Wildfire risk is Worth County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 34th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 23th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (7th percentile), earthquake (6th percentile), flood (5th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Worth County's dominant hazard is wildfire, ranked at the 34th percentile nationally. Maintaining at least 30 feet of lean, clean vegetation around structures in Worth County and keeping gutters clear of debris significantly reduces ignition risk from wind-driven embers. The county's tornado exposure at the 23th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. Worth 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 42.4 points below the Missouri state average puts Worth County in a better-than-typical position relative to neighboring counties.

Is your household prepared for Worth County's hazards?

Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.

FEMA Ready Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the natural disaster risk in Worth County, MO?
Worth County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Very Low, placing it in the 8th percentile nationally out of 3,144 counties. This composite score reflects the county's overall exposure to natural hazards including floods, wildfires, tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes, weighted by expected annual loss and social vulnerability.
What types of natural hazards affect Worth County?
Worth County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: wildfire (34th percentile), tornado (23th percentile), hurricane (7th percentile), earthquake (6th percentile), flooding (5th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is wildfire at the 34th percentile nationally. These scores are derived from FEMA's National Risk Index, which analyzes expected annual loss, social vulnerability, and community resilience for each hazard type.
How does Worth County risk compare to the Missouri average?
Worth County's composite risk percentile is 8th, compared to the Missouri state average of 51th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Worth County faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in Missouri.
Is Worth County at risk for wildfire?
Yes, Worth County's wildfire risk is at the 34th percentile nationally. This is below the national median, indicating relatively lower exposure. For flooding specifically, Worth County is at the 5th percentile.
How is natural disaster risk measured?
FEMA's National Risk Index (NRI) calculates risk scores for 18 natural hazard types across all U.S. counties and census tracts. The composite score combines Expected Annual Loss (estimated dollar losses from each hazard), Social Vulnerability (demographic factors affecting disaster impact), and Community Resilience (ability to recover). Percentile scores rank each county against all 3,144 U.S. counties, and risk ratings range from Very Low to Very High.
Is Worth County a safe place to live?
Worth County's composite risk score of 8th percentile is below the Missouri state average of 51th percentile, indicating relatively lower exposure to natural hazards. However, no county is completely risk-free. The primary hazard type is wildfire at the 34th percentile. Residents should still maintain emergency preparedness plans and appropriate insurance coverage.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

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.