Butler County Disaster Risk
Butler County, Ohio
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
91th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#6
of 88 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
93th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 93% 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 High
Higher than 98% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 85% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 28% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Butler County, Ohio
Butler County faces above-average disaster risk
Butler County's composite risk score of 91.48 places it well above the national average, signaling elevated exposure to multiple natural hazards. This "Relatively Moderate" rating means residents face meaningfully higher risk than the typical American county, particularly from severe weather events.
Among Ohio's most vulnerable counties
Butler County ranks near the top for disaster risk across Ohio, with a score significantly higher than the state average of 55.03. This makes it one of the counties in Ohio where residents should prioritize preparedness and protective measures most seriously.
Riskier than surrounding counties
Butler County's score of 91.48 substantially exceeds those of neighboring Clermont County (77.86) and Columbiana County (69.05). This variation reflects Butler's particular vulnerability to the specific hazard types that define its composite risk profile.
Tornadoes and floods dominate here
Tornado risk reaches 98.03 in Butler County—exceptionally high—while flood risk stands at 93.00, both far exceeding most Ohio counties. Earthquake risk (85.34) also warrants attention, though wildfire risk remains comparatively low at 41.19.
Prioritize flood and storm coverage
Given the extreme tornado (98.03) and flood (93.00) risks, Butler County residents should ensure comprehensive homeowner's insurance with specific tornado and flood endorsements. A basement safe room or storm shelter can provide life-saving protection during severe weather events.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Butler County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Butler County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard risk in Butler County is higher than the majority of U.S. counties, with a national composite rank of 91th. Butler County's elevated composite score reflects cumulative multi-hazard exposure; households should prepare for the county's two or three primary hazard types.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Butler County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 98th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 93th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (85th percentile), wildfire (41th percentile), hurricane (28th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Ranked at the 98th percentile nationally for tornado risk, Butler County is in a zone where storm shelters have the highest per-dollar protective value of any mitigation investment. Butler County's county shelter map is typically available through the local emergency management office. Flood is the second hazard driver for Butler County at the 93th percentile nationally, meaning households should maintain awareness of both severe-weather and flood-specific warning systems. Butler County residents can check the county's emergency management website for community shelter locations nearest their address — a step worth completing now, not during a warning.
Regional Context
A composite score 36.4 points above the Ohio state average puts Butler County in a higher-risk category than most counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Butler County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Butler County, OH?
What types of natural hazards affect Butler County?
How does Butler County risk compare to the Ohio average?
Is Butler County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Butler 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.