Hancock County Disaster Risk
Hancock County, Ohio
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
54th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#47
of 88 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
65th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 65% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 2% 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 61% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 40% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Hancock County, Ohio
Hancock County sits near national risk average
Hancock County's composite risk score of 54.07 aligns closely with the typical U.S. county profile, indicating a balanced but not exceptional hazard exposure. The county faces manageable risks across most disaster categories without concentration in any single threat.
Close to Ohio's average risk level
Hancock County's score of 54.07 sits just marginally below Ohio's state average of 55.03, placing it squarely in the middle range of state counties. The northwestern location and agricultural character define its risk profile.
Similar risk to surrounding northwestern counties
Hancock County's 54.07 score tracks closely with neighboring Fulton (33.56) and Putnam Counties, which occupy comparable risk bands. The region's shared landscape and weather patterns create aligned hazard exposures across the county cluster.
Tornado and flood risks warrant attention
Tornado risk reaches 67.33 in Hancock County, followed by flood risk at 65.39, making severe weather the primary natural hazard concern. Earthquake risk (60.59) adds a secondary but measurable threat, while wildfire risk remains exceptionally low at just 1.88.
Standard coverage with weather preparedness focus
Hancock County residents should ensure homeowners policies are current and consider flood insurance if in a flood zone, given the county's moderate flood exposure of 65.39. A storm shelter or safe room rated for tornadoes and a weather radio provide practical protection against the county's primary natural disaster risk.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Hancock County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Hancock County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard pressure in Hancock County is below the national midpoint, with a composite score at the 54th percentile. Proactive emergency planning and awareness of the specific hazards driving Hancock County's score can meaningfully reduce household risk.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Hancock County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 67th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 65th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (61th percentile), hurricane (40th percentile), wildfire (2th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With tornado ranked at the 67th percentile nationally, Hancock County sits in a high-exposure zone where the difference between outcomes often comes down to proximity to a reinforced interior shelter and seconds of warning time. The secondary flood hazard at the 65th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Hancock County's preparedness calendar, since flood and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. For Hancock County households, safe rooms certified to FEMA 320/361 standards offer the highest protection during a direct tornado hit; households without a safe room should locate the innermost lowest-floor room in their building and practice the route to it before storm season.
Regional Context
Hancock County's risk score is broadly comparable to the Ohio county average, with a 1.0-point gap that places the county near the center of the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for Hancock County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Hancock County, OH?
What types of natural hazards affect Hancock County?
How does Hancock County risk compare to the Ohio average?
Is Hancock County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Hancock 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.