Erie County Disaster Risk
Erie County, Ohio
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
61th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#38
of 88 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
72th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 72% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 23% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 78% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 62% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 50% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Erie County, Ohio
Erie County's moderate disaster exposure
Erie County scores 61.35 on the composite risk scale, earning a 'Relatively Low' rating that slightly exceeds national averages. The county faces meaningful but manageable natural disaster vulnerability across multiple hazard types.
Above-average risk for northern Ohio
At 61.35, Erie County's risk score exceeds Ohio's state average of 55.03 by about 11%, reflecting the county's Lake Erie proximity and associated water-related hazards. The county represents moderate-to-high risk in Ohio's broader risk landscape.
Elevated risk along Lake Erie shore
Erie County (61.35) faces higher disaster risk than nearby Crawford County (35.24) and Defiance County (41.89), reflecting its lakefront location. The county's risk profile falls between rural inland counties and heavily urbanized areas like Cuyahoga County (98.00).
Tornadoes, floods, and lake-related hazards
Tornado risk (77.93) and flood risk (71.79) represent Erie County's primary concerns, both in the elevated range. Earthquake risk (62.09) and hurricane risk (49.90) add secondary layers of exposure, while wildfire risk (23.03) remains minimal.
Prioritize water and wind protection
Erie County residents should maintain comprehensive flood insurance and storm-rated windows or shutters for tornado protection. Given the county's Lake Erie proximity, ensure property drainage is adequate and consider elevation or flood-proofing for structures in vulnerable areas.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Erie County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Erie County
Risk Verdict
Erie County's FEMA risk score places it at the 61th 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
Tornado risk is Erie County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 78th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 72th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (62th percentile), hurricane (50th percentile), wildfire (23th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Tornado exposure at the 78th percentile nationally makes Erie County a county where a battery-powered weather radio — not just smartphone apps — is a worthwhile household investment, given that mobile networks often fail during severe storms. Alongside tornado exposure, flood at the 72th percentile nationally means Erie County households face multi-hazard severe-weather seasons that benefit from a single integrated emergency plan covering both threats. In Erie County, tornado watches indicate favorable atmospheric conditions while warnings mean rotation has been detected — households benefit from understanding this distinction so they shelter immediately on a warning, not after seeking visual confirmation.
Regional Context
The Ohio county average is 6.3 composite points below Erie County's score, a gap that reflects the county's elevated position in the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for Erie County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Erie County, OH?
What types of natural hazards affect Erie County?
How does Erie County risk compare to the Ohio average?
Is Erie County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Erie 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.