Ashland County Disaster Risk
Ashland County, Ohio
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
46th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#57
of 88 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
60th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 60% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 30% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 57% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 44% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 44% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Ashland County, Ohio
Ashland County maintains low risk
Ashland County's composite risk score of 46.34 sits comfortably below the national average, signaling relatively modest natural disaster exposure overall. While flood and tornado hazards merit attention, the county avoids extreme vulnerabilities in most disaster categories.
Below-average risk for Ohio
At 46.34, Ashland County scores 8.69 points below Ohio's state average of 55.03, placing it among the state's safer counties. This score reflects a balanced risk profile with no single hazard reaching extreme levels.
Comparable to nearby counties
Ashland County's risk score of 46.34 aligns closely with Adams County (43.83) and Auglaize County (41.76), creating a zone of relative safety in north-central Ohio. The county stands notably safer than neighboring Ashtabula County (62.60) and Athens County (68.73).
Tornadoes and flooding chief concerns
Tornado risk scores 57.32 and flood risk 60.21, both moderate but elevated compared to the county's overall composite score. These two hazards represent the county's primary natural disaster vulnerabilities.
Smart preparedness protects families
Ashland County residents should invest in flood insurance for properties in or near mapped flood zones and establish a family tornado safety plan with a designated shelter area. Annual property maintenance and awareness of local emergency warnings are cost-effective ways to reduce disaster impact.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Ashland County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Ashland County
Risk Verdict
With a national percentile rank of 46th, Ashland County faces below-average hazard exposure relative to U.S. counties as a whole. A 46th percentile score positions Ashland County among the nation's lower-risk counties, a genuinely favorable outcome — one that simple, low-cost preparedness habits can reinforce further.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Ashland County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 60th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 57th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (44th percentile), hurricane (44th percentile), wildfire (30th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With flood risk ranking at the 60th percentile nationally, Ashland County residents face one of the most financially damaging hazards without specialized coverage. Flood insurance through the NFIP or a private carrier is worth evaluating regardless of current mortgage requirements. Secondary tornado exposure at the 57th percentile adds a second preparedness layer; households should review coverage options and alert sign-up for both hazard types. Registering for Ashland County's county emergency alert system — typically through the county emergency management office's website — ensures households receive early warning when flood events develop faster than forecast.
Regional Context
Ashland County falls 8.7 points below Ohio's typical county risk level, making it one of the safer natural-hazard environments in the state.
Is your household prepared for Ashland County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Ashland County, OH?
What types of natural hazards affect Ashland County?
How does Ashland County risk compare to the Ohio average?
Is Ashland County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Ashland 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.