Hardin County Disaster Risk
Hardin County, Ohio
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
24th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#79
of 88 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
40th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 40% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 1% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 36% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 49% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 44% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Hardin County, Ohio
Hardin County faces very low disaster risk
With a composite risk score of 24.43, Hardin County ranks well below the national average and sits significantly safer than Ohio's 55.03 state average. This very low rating means residents face minimal exposure to major natural disasters compared to the typical American county.
Among Ohio's safest counties overall
Hardin County's composite score places it in the safest tier statewide, with only a handful of Ohio counties scoring lower. The county's very low rating reflects relatively modest hazard exposure across all major disaster types.
Safest in its peer group
Hardin County's 24.43 score makes it safer than Harrison County (11.42 is lower, but Harrison is an outlier), Henry County (33.81), Highland County (43.19), and Hocking County (47.30). Its position as one of northwest Ohio's most resilient counties offers residents genuine peace of mind.
Earthquakes and hurricanes pose mild concern
Earthquake risk (48.85) and hurricane risk (43.60) represent Hardin County's two highest hazard scores, though both remain moderate in absolute terms. Flooding (40.20) and tornado risk (36.29) are also present but manageable, while wildfire risk is negligible at just 1.27.
Basic coverage keeps you prepared
Even low-risk counties benefit from standard homeowners insurance and a basic emergency kit covering water and medications. Consider a conversation with your insurance agent about flood and earthquake options, especially if your property is near a waterway.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Hardin County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Hardin County
Risk Verdict
Hardin County carries a low natural disaster risk burden, scoring at the 24th percentile under the FEMA National Risk Index. A 24th percentile score positions Hardin County among the nation's lower-risk counties, a genuinely favorable outcome — one that simple, low-cost preparedness habits can reinforce further.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Hardin County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 49th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 44th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (40th percentile), tornado (36th percentile), wildfire (1th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Hardin County's primary hazard, earthquake, ranks at the 49th percentile nationally. Unreinforced masonry structures carry the highest injury risk during seismic events; residents in older buildings should check with their municipality about available seismic retrofit programs. Hurricane at the 44th percentile nationally is a separate hazard dimension for Hardin County that requires different protective strategies from earthquake preparedness. After a major earthquake, Hardin County residents should expect water service disruption for 24 to 72 or more hours. Storing a minimum of one gallon per person per day for three days — before any event — is the most direct preparedness action households can take.
Regional Context
Compared to the Ohio county average, Hardin County's composite score runs 30.6 points lower — a gap that reflects the county's relatively modest hazard profile within its state context.
Is your household prepared for Hardin County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Hardin County, OH?
What types of natural hazards affect Hardin County?
How does Hardin County risk compare to the Ohio average?
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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.