Athens County Disaster Risk
Athens County, Ohio
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
69th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#28
of 88 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
84th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 84% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 13% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 37% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 49% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 53% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Athens County, Ohio
Athens County's elevated flood exposure
Athens County's composite risk score of 68.73 places it above the national average, with exceptional flood vulnerability at 83.65 that ranks among the nation's highest. While tornado and hurricane risks remain moderate, the flood hazard alone elevates the county's overall risk profile significantly.
Among Ohio's highest-risk counties
At 68.73, Athens County ranks 13.70 points above Ohio's state average of 55.03, making it one of the state's most vulnerable counties to natural disasters. The county's flood score of 83.65 places it among Ohio's most flood-exposed communities.
Clearly the riskiest in its region
Athens County's score of 68.73 significantly exceeds nearby Ashland County (46.34) and Adams County (43.83), establishing it as the region's most hazard-vulnerable county. The gap is especially pronounced in flood risk, where Athens County's 83.65 dwarfs all neighbors.
Flooding is the dominant threat
Athens County faces an extreme flood risk score of 83.65, among the nation's highest, driven by the county's hilly terrain and multiple river systems. Hurricane risk (53.23) and tornado risk (37.37) are secondary concerns but warrant preparedness.
Flood insurance is non-negotiable
Athens County residents in or near flood zones must obtain federally-backed flood insurance immediately—the county's 83.65 flood score indicates pervasive vulnerability that standard homeowners policies explicitly exclude. Elevating utilities, maintaining sump pumps, and developing an evacuation plan are equally critical for flood preparedness.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Athens County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Athens County
Risk Verdict
At the 69th percentile nationally, Athens County experiences a manageable level of natural hazard risk that falls below the U.S. median. Athens County's risk profile calls for targeted preparedness, focusing on the hazard categories that dominate the county's score.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Athens County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 84th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 53th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (49th percentile), tornado (37th percentile), wildfire (13th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Athens County's dominant hazard is flooding, ranked at the 84th percentile nationally. In addition to flood insurance, residents should identify their nearest evacuation shelter and store key documents in waterproof containers. Alongside flooding, hurricane exposure at the 53th percentile means households benefit from a multi-hazard preparedness plan rather than focusing on flood alone. Athens County's county emergency management office publishes hazard-specific guidance tailored to local conditions; bookmarking that resource and the county's alert system is a practical first step for any household.
Regional Context
Athens County falls 13.7 points above Ohio's typical county risk level, which means the hazard environment here is notably more demanding than the state baseline.
Is your household prepared for Athens County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Athens County, OH?
What types of natural hazards affect Athens County?
How does Athens County risk compare to the Ohio average?
Is Athens County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Athens 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.