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

Greene County Disaster Risk

Greene County, Ohio

FEMA Risk Rating

Relatively Low

National Percentile

76th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#18

of 88 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

75th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 75% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Very Low

Higher than 31% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Moderate

Higher than 81% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 80% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Very Low

Higher than 38% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Greene County, Ohio

Greene County faces above-average national risk

Greene County scores 75.67 on the composite risk scale, notably higher than the typical U.S. county profile. This relatively low rating reflects meaningful but not extreme vulnerability, concentrated particularly in tornado and earthquake hazards.

Elevated risk within Ohio counties

Greene County's 75.67 score exceeds Ohio's state average of 55.03 by a substantial margin, ranking it among the higher-risk counties in the state. The southwestern location near active seismic zones and tornado corridors drives this elevated profile.

Riskier than most regional counterparts

Greene County's 75.67 score exceeds neighboring Montgomery (66.18) and Clark (59.34) Counties, making it the riskier hub in the region. Its position in the Miami Valley amplifies exposure to strong tornadoes and seismic activity.

Tornadoes and earthquakes demand serious attention

Greene County faces exceptional tornado risk at 81.30 and significant earthquake risk at 80.31, placing both among the county's defining hazards. Flood risk also registers at 75.41, reflecting the region's river systems and historical weather patterns.

Earthquake and tornado readiness are essential

Greene County residents must prioritize both earthquake and tornado safety; ensure your home has proper structural bracing and a reinforced safe room or below-ground shelter. Review your homeowners and earthquake insurance coverage annually, and maintain an emergency supply kit with 72 hours of provisions given the county's dual exposure to sudden, severe events.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Greene County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    TornadoPrepare
    81th percentile
  2. #2
    EarthquakePrepare
    80th percentile
  3. #3
    FloodPrepare
    75th percentile

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

Local Resources

Risk Advisory: Greene County

Risk Verdict

Greene County's FEMA risk score places it at the 76th percentile nationally, indicating lower-than-typical exposure for a U.S. county. At this risk level, having a documented household preparedness plan — not just awareness — is the meaningful next step for Greene County residents.

Hazard Breakdown

Tornado risk is Greene County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 81th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 80th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (75th percentile), hurricane (38th percentile), wildfire (31th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Tornado exposure at the 81th percentile nationally makes Greene 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. The secondary earthquake hazard at the 80th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Greene County's preparedness calendar, since earthquake and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. In Greene 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 20.6 composite points below Greene County's score, a gap that reflects the county's elevated position in the state's hazard distribution.

Is your household prepared for Greene 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 Greene County, OH?
Greene County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Relatively Low, placing it in the 76th 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 Greene County?
Greene County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: tornado (81th percentile), earthquake (80th percentile), flooding (75th percentile), hurricane (38th percentile), wildfire (31th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is tornado at the 81th 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 Greene County risk compare to the Ohio average?
Greene County's composite risk percentile is 76th, compared to the Ohio state average of 55th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Greene County faces higher natural disaster risk than the typical county in Ohio.
Is Greene County at risk for tornado?
Yes, Greene County's tornado risk is at the 81th percentile nationally. This places it in the top quartile for this hazard type. For flooding specifically, Greene County is at the 75th percentile.
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.
Why is Greene County higher risk than average?
Greene County's composite risk score of 76th percentile is above the Ohio state average of 55th percentile. This elevated risk is driven by tornado exposure (81th percentile), along with earthquake and flooding risk. Geographic location, terrain, climate patterns, and proximity to flood zones or fault lines all influence a county's risk profile.

Counties with Similar Risk

Belmont County

Ohio

-0.5

Relatively Low

75th percentile

Clark County

Ohio

+1.4

Relatively Low

77th percentile

Lake County

Ohio

+1.7

Relatively Low

77th percentile

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.

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