Belmont County Disaster Risk
Belmont County, Ohio
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
75th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#19
of 88 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
87th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 87% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 41% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 55% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 41% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 55% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Belmont County, Ohio
Belmont County faces significant risks
Belmont County's composite risk score of 75.19 substantially exceeds the national average, with extreme flood vulnerability (86.99) that ranks among the nation's highest. Combined with moderate wildfire and hurricane risks, the county faces elevated natural disaster exposure.
One of Ohio's riskiest counties
At 75.19, Belmont County ranks among Ohio's highest-risk counties, sitting 20.16 points above the state average of 55.03. The county's flood score of 86.99 places it among Ohio's most flood-vulnerable communities.
The riskiest in its immediate area
Belmont County's score of 75.19 significantly exceeds Adams County (43.83), Brown County (62.56), and most other regional neighbors. The county's flood score (86.99) stands as the highest in the region by a substantial margin.
Extreme flooding is the primary threat
Belmont County experiences extreme flood risk at 86.99, among the nation's highest, driven by the county's location in the Ohio River Valley and complex drainage systems. Wildfire risk (40.68) and hurricane risk (55.32) present secondary but notable concerns.
Flood insurance is absolutely essential
Belmont County residents must immediately secure flood insurance—the county's 86.99 flood score indicates pervasive, exceptional vulnerability that standard homeowners policies exclude entirely. Backup generators, elevated utilities, and detailed evacuation routes are critical complements to comprehensive flood insurance.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Belmont County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Belmont County
Risk Verdict
Belmont County ranks at the 75th percentile nationally for natural disaster risk — below the median for U.S. counties. Comprehensive household preparedness — including reviewing insurance, maintaining emergency supplies, and knowing evacuation routes — is strongly recommended.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Belmont County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 87th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 55th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (55th percentile), earthquake (41th percentile), wildfire (41th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Belmont County sits at the 87th percentile nationally for flood exposure. Knowing your property's flood zone designation — available at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center — is the first step toward understanding actual exposure and insurance options. The county's second-ranked hazard, tornado at the 55th percentile nationally, means Belmont County residents face compounding risks from multiple natural hazard types during peak seasons. Regardless of specific hazard, Belmont County households benefit from a practiced communication plan: a designated out-of-state contact and a pre-agreed evacuation destination established before the season's peak risk period.
Regional Context
Compared to other Ohio counties, Belmont County runs 20.2 composite risk points higher than the state mean — reflecting above-average hazard concentration in this area.
Is your household prepared for Belmont County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Belmont County, OH?
What types of natural hazards affect Belmont County?
How does Belmont County risk compare to the Ohio average?
Is Belmont County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Belmont 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.