Guernsey County Disaster Risk
Guernsey County, Ohio
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
38th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#65
of 88 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
59th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 59% 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
Very Low
Higher than 37% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 38% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 41% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Guernsey County, Ohio
Guernsey County ranks among safest U.S. counties
With a composite risk score of 37.50, Guernsey County sits well below the national average, placing it in the safer tier of American counties. The county's eastern Ohio location and terrain create relatively low exposure across most hazard categories.
Below-average risk within Ohio
Guernsey County's score of 37.50 sits comfortably below Ohio's state average of 55.03, ranking it among the safer Ohio counties. The rural, eastern location insulates it from many of the natural disaster pressures affecting more populated state areas.
Among the lowest-risk counties in region
Guernsey County's 37.50 score outperforms surrounding Jefferson and Belmont Counties, which score in the 42–50 range. Its position in eastern Ohio provides protection from major flood corridors and high-frequency tornado paths.
Flood and earthquake pose modest threats
Guernsey County's flood risk reaches 58.91 and earthquake risk 38.49, both manageable compared to state and national benchmarks. Tornado risk (36.77) and hurricane risk (40.72) remain well-controlled, with wildfire risk negligible at 31.11.
Standard insurance meets most protection needs
Guernsey County's low overall risk means standard homeowners insurance typically provides adequate coverage for most residents. Homeowners in flood-prone valley areas should still consider flood insurance as a prudent addition, and a basic emergency preparedness plan ensures readiness for the modest tornado and earthquake risks the county faces.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Guernsey County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Guernsey County
Risk Verdict
Natural disaster exposure in Guernsey County is lower than roughly three-quarters of U.S. counties, with a composite score at the 38th percentile. Guernsey County's 38th percentile ranking is favorable, though every county carries at least one natural hazard worth knowing — reviewing the specific risks listed above helps households focus their preparedness where it matters most.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Guernsey County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 59th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 41th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (38th percentile), tornado (37th percentile), wildfire (31th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With flood ranked as the primary hazard at the 59th percentile nationally, Guernsey County households should build a go-bag that includes important documents, medications, and supplies to sustain the family for at least three days if evacuation is needed. Secondary hurricane exposure at the 41th percentile adds a second preparedness layer; households should review coverage options and alert sign-up for both hazard types. A waterproof container for documents (insurance policies, ID, prescriptions) and a clear household communication plan for when phone networks are congested are the two highest-value low-cost preparedness steps for Guernsey County households.
Regional Context
Guernsey County is 17.5 composite risk points below the Ohio state mean, meaning most other Ohio counties face higher natural hazard exposure.
Is your household prepared for Guernsey County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Guernsey County, OH?
What types of natural hazards affect Guernsey County?
How does Guernsey County risk compare to the Ohio average?
Is Guernsey County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Guernsey 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.