Adams County Disaster Risk
Adams County, Ohio
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
44th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#59
of 88 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
64th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 64% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 63% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 41% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 49% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 42% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Adams County, Ohio
Adams County's low risk profile
Adams County scores 43.83 on the national composite risk scale, placing it well below the national average and indicating relatively low overall natural disaster exposure. This score reflects moderate vulnerabilities in flooding and wildfire, balanced by lower risks from tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes.
One of Ohio's safer counties
With a composite risk score of 43.83, Adams County ranks among Ohio's lowest-risk counties, sitting 11.2 points below the state average of 55.03. This favorable standing means residents face fewer compound disaster pressures than most of their Ohio neighbors.
Surrounded by moderate-risk counties
Adams County's neighboring counties show more variation in risk: Brown County scores 62.56 and Ashland County 46.34, making Adams a relative safe haven in the region. The county's lower flood and wildfire scores particularly distinguish it from nearby Brown County.
Flooding and wildfire top concerns
Flooding presents the highest hazard risk at 64.28, followed closely by wildfire at 63.04—both substantially above the county's overall composite score. These two hazards warrant targeted preparedness, particularly for properties in flood-prone valleys and rural areas vulnerable to woodland fires.
Prioritize flood and wildfire coverage
Standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage; Adams County residents should strongly consider separate flood insurance, especially those in mapped flood zones or near waterways. Wildfire insurance riders and defensible space maintenance around your property are equally critical given the county's elevated wildfire scores.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Adams County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Adams County
Risk Verdict
Adams County's FEMA risk score places it at the 44th percentile nationally, indicating lower-than-typical exposure for a U.S. county. Adams County residents can take confidence from a 44th percentile ranking, but even lower-risk counties benefit from a practiced household communication plan and awareness of the specific hazards listed above.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Adams County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 64th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 63th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (49th percentile), hurricane (42th percentile), tornado (41th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 64th percentile nationally for flood risk, Adams County residents benefit from understanding their specific flood zone status. Even one inch of floodwater causes significant structural damage to properties outside officially designated high-risk zones. The county's second-ranked hazard, wildfire at the 63th percentile nationally, means Adams County residents face compounding risks from multiple natural hazard types during peak seasons. A tested family preparedness plan specific to Adams County's primary hazards — including how to shelter in place or evacuate, and who to call — provides more real protection than a general emergency kit sitting unused on a shelf.
Regional Context
At 11.2 points below the Ohio state average, Adams County is among the lower-risk counties in the state for natural disaster exposure.
Is your household prepared for Adams County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Adams County, OH?
What types of natural hazards affect Adams County?
How does Adams County risk compare to the Ohio average?
Is Adams County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Adams 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.