Delaware County Disaster Risk
Delaware County, Ohio
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
79th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#13
of 88 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
86th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 86% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 27% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 82% 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 Delaware County, Ohio
Delaware County faces elevated disaster risk
Delaware County scores 78.75 on the composite risk scale, earning a 'Relatively Low' rating that nonetheless exceeds national averages substantially. The county's composite score reflects significant exposure across multiple natural disaster categories.
High-risk county within Ohio
At 78.75, Delaware County's risk score substantially exceeds Ohio's state average of 55.03, placing it in the upper tier of the state's most hazard-prone counties. The county's composite risk is roughly 43% above the statewide average.
Regional risk leader among peers
Delaware County (78.75) faces considerably higher disaster risk than most nearby counties, including Crawford (35.24), Defiance (41.89), and Darke (52.67). Only Fairfield County (72.61) approaches comparable risk levels among surrounding communities.
Floods and tornadoes demand preparedness
Flood risk (86.36) and tornado risk (81.52) dominate Delaware County's natural disaster profile, both scoring in the high range. Earthquake risk (66.19) ranks third among county hazards, while wildfire (26.75) and hurricane (27.28) risks remain secondary concerns.
Invest in comprehensive flood and tornado protection
Delaware County residents should prioritize flood insurance and storm-rated safe rooms, given the county's elevated flood and tornado risks. Ensure proper drainage around foundations, install storm shutters, and secure a backup generator for extended power outages following severe weather events.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Delaware County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Delaware County
Risk Verdict
Delaware County ranks at the 79th 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 Delaware County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 86th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 82th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (66th percentile), hurricane (27th percentile), wildfire (27th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Delaware County sits at the 86th 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. Secondary tornado exposure at the 82th percentile adds a second preparedness layer; households should review coverage options and alert sign-up for both hazard types. Regardless of specific hazard, Delaware 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, Delaware County runs 23.7 composite risk points higher than the state mean — reflecting above-average hazard concentration in this area.
Is your household prepared for Delaware County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Delaware County, OH?
What types of natural hazards affect Delaware County?
How does Delaware County risk compare to the Ohio average?
Is Delaware County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Delaware 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.