Champaign County Disaster Risk
Champaign County, Ohio
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
27th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#75
of 88 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
44th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 44% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 3% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 46% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 56% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 28% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Champaign County, Ohio
Champaign County has minimal natural disaster risk
Champaign County's composite risk score of 26.75 places it well below national averages, earning a "Very Low" disaster risk rating. This indicates substantially reduced exposure to the natural hazards that threaten many other American communities.
One of Ohio's safest counties
Champaign County scores 26.75 against Ohio's state average of 55.03, ranking it among the state's lowest-risk counties. Residents benefit from natural geographic and climatic factors that minimize exposure to multiple hazard types.
Safer than nearby Clinton County
Champaign County's score of 26.75 edges out Clinton County's 34.00, making it one of the region's safest communities. Both counties enjoy significantly lower risk than Ohio's state average.
Tornado and earthquake pose limited threats
Tornado risk (46.37) and earthquake risk (56.23) are Champaign County's highest hazards, but both remain well below statewide medians. Wildfire risk is exceptionally low at just 3.37, reflecting the county's geography and land use.
Basic homeowner's coverage meets most needs
Champaign County's low overall risk means standard homeowner's insurance provides reliable protection for most properties. Residents should still maintain a basic emergency preparedness kit and know local weather alert procedures.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Champaign County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Champaign County
Risk Verdict
Champaign County's overall natural disaster score at the 27th percentile puts it well below the national median for hazard exposure. Champaign County residents can take confidence from a 27th percentile ranking, but even lower-risk counties benefit from a practiced household communication plan and awareness of the specific hazards listed above.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Champaign County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 56th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 46th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (44th percentile), hurricane (28th percentile), wildfire (3th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Earthquake exposure at the 56th percentile nationally puts Champaign County in a zone where utilities — gas, water, electrical — are the most common post-quake hazard. Knowing how to shut off the main gas valve is an important household skill to develop before an event occurs. Alongside earthquake exposure, Champaign County's tornado risk at the 46th percentile nationally reinforces the value of maintaining a household emergency supply cache usable for multiple hazard scenarios. Champaign County households benefit from keeping shoes and a flashlight near the bed — post-earthquake navigation through debris in the dark is a common cause of secondary injury. This low-cost step has outsized protective value.
Regional Context
Champaign County's composite risk score sits 28.3 points below the Ohio county average, reflecting a more favorable hazard environment than the state typical.
Is your household prepared for Champaign County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Champaign County, OH?
What types of natural hazards affect Champaign County?
How does Champaign County risk compare to the Ohio average?
Is Champaign County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Champaign County a safe place to live?
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.