Fulton County Disaster Risk
Fulton County, Ohio
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
34th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#70
of 88 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
42th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 42% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 8% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 67% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 59% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 29% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Fulton County, Ohio
Fulton County enjoys below-average disaster risk
With a composite risk score of 33.56, Fulton County ranks among the safest counties nationally, well below the typical U.S. profile. This very low risk rating reflects manageable hazard exposure across most disaster categories.
Among Ohio's safest counties
Fulton County's score of 33.56 sits well below Ohio's state average of 55.03, placing it in the lower tier of state risk. The county's rural character and location help minimize exposure to multiple hazard types.
Lower risk than most surrounding areas
Fulton County's 33.56 score outperforms most neighboring counties, including Hancock (54.07) and Henry County to the west. Its relatively protected position reflects lower flood and tornado vulnerability compared to central Ohio counties.
Tornado and earthquake present modest concerns
Tornado risk registers at 66.92 and earthquake risk at 58.68 in Fulton County—elevated above some peers but manageable compared to state averages. Flood risk (41.73) and wildfire risk (8.14) remain well-controlled, reflecting the county's northwestern location and landscape.
Standard homeowners insurance generally sufficient
Fulton County's low overall risk profile means most residents can rely on standard homeowners policies for primary protection. However, a basement safe room or above-ground storm shelter remains prudent given tornado exposure, and reviewing earthquake coverage is wise for peace of mind.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Fulton County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Fulton County
Risk Verdict
Fulton County carries a low natural disaster risk burden, scoring at the 34th percentile under the FEMA National Risk Index. The 34th percentile national ranking is one lens; Fulton County residents also benefit from reviewing which specific hazard types drive the county's composite score and preparing accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Fulton County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 67th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 59th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (42th percentile), hurricane (29th percentile), wildfire (8th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Fulton County's primary hazard, tornado, ranks at the 67th percentile nationally. In Fulton County, mobile homes and manufactured housing face significantly higher tornado risk than site-built structures; residents in these homes should identify the nearest permanent community shelter in advance. The secondary earthquake hazard at the 59th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Fulton County's preparedness calendar, since earthquake and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. The highest-risk window for tornado fatalities is overnight, when Fulton County residents may be asleep. A NOAA weather radio with overnight alert capability is the single most impactful low-cost preparedness step available to Fulton County households.
Regional Context
Compared to the Ohio county average, Fulton County's composite score runs 21.5 points lower — a gap that reflects the county's relatively modest hazard profile within its state context.
Is your household prepared for Fulton County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Fulton County, OH?
What types of natural hazards affect Fulton County?
How does Fulton County risk compare to the Ohio average?
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How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Fulton 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.