riskbycounty
FEMA NRI 1.19.0Updated Nov 2023 · Coverage 2014–2023Methodology

Gallia County Disaster Risk

Gallia County, Ohio

FEMA Risk Rating

Relatively Low

National Percentile

48th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#54

of 88 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

68th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 68% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Very Low

Higher than 35% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Very Low

Higher than 26% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 43% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 48% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Gallia County, Ohio

Gallia County sits near national risk average

Gallia County's composite risk score of 48.31 falls slightly below the typical U.S. county profile, indicating relatively low but not exceptional protection. The county experiences a balanced mix of hazard exposures with no single catastrophic risk dominating.

Below-average risk for Ohio

At 48.31, Gallia County scores comfortably below Ohio's state average of 55.03, positioning it as a safer-than-typical Ohio location. The county's southern Appalachian setting influences its specific hazard profile.

Similar risk to neighboring counties

Gallia County's 48.31 score aligns with nearby counties like Pike and Jackson, which also fall in the 45–55 range. Its flood risk (67.59) moderately exceeds state averages, reflecting proximity to the Ohio River and tributary systems.

River flooding represents the primary hazard

Flood risk reaches 67.59 in Gallia County, the most significant natural hazard residents face, driven by proximity to the Ohio River and creek systems. Earthquake risk (43.32) and hurricane risk (47.89) pose secondary but meaningful threats, while tornado risk remains relatively moderate at 26.11.

Flood insurance is strongly recommended

Given Gallia County's elevated flood risk of 67.59, residents in flood-prone areas should obtain standalone flood insurance, which is not included in standard homeowners policies. Maintaining proper drainage around your home and knowing your local evacuation routes provides additional protection against seasonal river rises.

Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Gallia County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    FloodPrepare
    68th percentile
  2. #2
    HurricanePrepare
    48th percentile
  3. #3
    EarthquakePrepare
    43th percentile

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)

Risk Advisory: Gallia County

Risk Verdict

Gallia County has a below-average natural disaster risk profile, scoring at the 48th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Even at the 48th percentile, Gallia County's composite score reflects real hazard exposure categories — knowing which ones apply locally enables targeted, efficient household preparedness.

Hazard Breakdown

Flood risk is Gallia County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 68th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 48th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (43th percentile), wildfire (35th percentile), tornado (26th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Gallia County's top natural hazard is flood risk, ranked at the 68th percentile nationally. Homeowners here should confirm whether they are in a FEMA-designated flood zone and check if standard homeowners insurance covers flood damage — it typically does not. Secondary hurricane exposure at the 48th percentile adds a second preparedness layer; households should review coverage options and alert sign-up for both hazard types. For most Gallia County households, the highest-return preparedness step is storing critical documents in digital cloud backup combined with a pre-designated family meeting point if communication is disrupted.

Regional Context

The Ohio county average exceeds Gallia County's score by 6.7 composite points — placing this county in the lower-risk tier relative to its in-state peers.

Is your household prepared for Gallia County's hazards?

Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.

FEMA Ready Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the natural disaster risk in Gallia County, OH?
Gallia County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Relatively Low, placing it in the 48th percentile nationally out of 3,144 counties. This composite score reflects the county's overall exposure to natural hazards including floods, wildfires, tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes, weighted by expected annual loss and social vulnerability.
What types of natural hazards affect Gallia County?
Gallia County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: flooding (68th percentile), hurricane (48th percentile), earthquake (43th percentile), wildfire (35th percentile), tornado (26th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is flooding at the 68th percentile nationally. These scores are derived from FEMA's National Risk Index, which analyzes expected annual loss, social vulnerability, and community resilience for each hazard type.
How does Gallia County risk compare to the Ohio average?
Gallia County's composite risk percentile is 48th, compared to the Ohio state average of 55th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Gallia County faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in Ohio.
Is Gallia County at risk for flooding?
Yes, Gallia County's flooding risk is at the 68th percentile nationally. This is above the national median.
How is natural disaster risk measured?
FEMA's National Risk Index (NRI) calculates risk scores for 18 natural hazard types across all U.S. counties and census tracts. The composite score combines Expected Annual Loss (estimated dollar losses from each hazard), Social Vulnerability (demographic factors affecting disaster impact), and Community Resilience (ability to recover). Percentile scores rank each county against all 3,144 U.S. counties, and risk ratings range from Very Low to Very High.
Is Gallia County a safe place to live?
Gallia County's composite risk score of 48th percentile is below the Ohio state average of 55th percentile, indicating relatively lower exposure to natural hazards. However, no county is completely risk-free. The primary hazard type is flooding at the 68th percentile. Residents should still maintain emergency preparedness plans and appropriate insurance coverage.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

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.