Brown County Disaster Risk
Brown County, Ohio
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
63th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#36
of 88 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
75th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 75% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 61% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 58% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 66% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 27% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Brown County, Ohio
Brown County faces moderate-high risk
Brown County's composite risk score of 62.56 exceeds the national average, driven by strong flood (75.03), wildfire (60.66), and earthquake (65.84) vulnerabilities. The county's location in Ohio's southern hills creates multiple natural hazard exposures.
Above-average risk within Ohio
At 62.56, Brown County ranks 7.53 points above Ohio's state average of 55.03, placing it in the state's higher-risk category. The county's flood and wildfire scores particularly distinguish its vulnerability within Ohio.
Riskier than most regional peers
Brown County's score of 62.56 exceeds Adams County (43.83) and Ashland County (46.34) substantially, though it ranks below Athens County (68.73) and Belmont County (75.19). The county stands as a moderate-high risk zone within its region.
Flooding and wildfire combine threats
Flooding presents the highest risk at 75.03, while wildfire follows closely at 60.66, with earthquake risk also elevated at 65.84. These three hazards create a complex risk environment requiring multifaceted preparedness.
Multi-hazard preparedness is vital
Brown County residents must secure flood insurance and maintain defensible space around their properties to mitigate wildfire exposure. Earthquake insurance and a comprehensive emergency kit that addresses all three hazards should complete your household preparedness strategy.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Brown County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Brown County
Risk Verdict
Brown County's FEMA risk score places it at the 63th percentile nationally, indicating lower-than-typical exposure for a U.S. county. A moderate composite score often means one or two hazard categories are doing the heavy lifting — knowing which ones matters for preparation.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Brown County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 75th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 66th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (61th percentile), tornado (58th percentile), hurricane (27th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 75th percentile nationally for flood risk, Brown 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. Alongside flooding, earthquake exposure at the 66th percentile means households benefit from a multi-hazard preparedness plan rather than focusing on flood alone. A tested family preparedness plan specific to Brown 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
The Ohio county average is 7.5 composite points below Brown County's score, a gap that reflects the county's elevated position in the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for Brown County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Brown County, OH?
What types of natural hazards affect Brown County?
How does Brown County risk compare to the Ohio average?
Is Brown County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Brown 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.