Ashtabula County Disaster Risk
Ashtabula County, Ohio
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
63th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#35
of 88 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
73th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 73% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 36% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 79% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 55% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 52% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Ashtabula County, Ohio
Ashtabula County faces moderate-high risk
Ashtabula County's composite risk score of 62.60 exceeds the national average, with tornado exposure (78.78) and flooding (72.58) as significant national outliers. The county's Great Lakes proximity and regional geography create elevated hazard exposure.
Above-average vulnerability for Ohio
At 62.60, Ashtabula County ranks 7.57 points above Ohio's state average of 55.03, placing it in the state's higher-risk category. The county's tornado hazard particularly distinguishes it within Ohio's risk landscape.
Notably riskier than western neighbors
Ashtabula County's score of 62.60 exceeds Ashland County (46.34) and Auglaize County (41.76) significantly, though it remains safer than Athens County (68.73). The county's tornado exposure (78.78) is among the highest in this region.
Tornado and flood threats are acute
Tornado risk dominates at 78.78, making Ashtabula one of Ohio's tornado hotspots; flood risk follows at 72.58, both substantially outpacing the county's composite score. Combined, these two hazards create a significant seasonal and year-round risk profile.
Tornado preparedness is critical
Ashtabula County residents must maintain a detailed tornado safety plan, including a reinforced shelter or interior room away from windows, and practice drills quarterly. Flood insurance is equally essential for any property within a flood zone, and weather alert subscriptions should be active during spring storm season.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Ashtabula County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Ashtabula County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard pressure in Ashtabula County is below the national midpoint, with a composite score at the 63th percentile. Proactive emergency planning and awareness of the specific hazards driving Ashtabula County's score can meaningfully reduce household risk.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Ashtabula County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 79th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 73th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (55th percentile), hurricane (52th percentile), wildfire (36th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With tornado ranked at the 79th percentile nationally, Ashtabula County sits in a high-exposure zone where the difference between outcomes often comes down to proximity to a reinforced interior shelter and seconds of warning time. Alongside tornado exposure, flood at the 73th percentile nationally means Ashtabula County households face multi-hazard severe-weather seasons that benefit from a single integrated emergency plan covering both threats. For Ashtabula County households, safe rooms certified to FEMA 320/361 standards offer the highest protection during a direct tornado hit; households without a safe room should locate the innermost lowest-floor room in their building and practice the route to it before storm season.
Regional Context
Ashtabula County is 7.6 composite risk points above the Ohio average, indicating that residents face greater natural hazard exposure than most of their in-state neighbors.
Is your household prepared for Ashtabula County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Ashtabula County, OH?
What types of natural hazards affect Ashtabula County?
How does Ashtabula County risk compare to the Ohio average?
Is Ashtabula County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Ashtabula 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.