Highland County Disaster Risk
Highland County, Ohio
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
43th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#61
of 88 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
57th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 57% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 60% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 56% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 62% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 46% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Highland County, Ohio
Highland County faces elevated regional risk
At 43.19, Highland County's composite risk score exceeds the national average and sits just below Ohio's 55.03 state average. This relatively low rating indicates moderate—not high—hazard exposure compared to the typical American county.
Mid-range risk among Ohio counties
Highland County's 43.19 score places it slightly below the state average, ranking it in Ohio's moderate-risk tier. The county faces more natural hazard exposure than safer peers but less than Ohio's highest-risk areas.
Higher risk than most nearby counties
Highland County's 43.19 score exceeds Hardin (24.43), Harrison (11.42), Henry (33.81), and Jackson (35.75), but trails Hocking (47.30), Holmes (60.40), and Huron (50.29). It sits at the higher end of its regional peer group's risk profile.
Earthquakes, wildfire, and flooding dominate
Highland County's top three risks are earthquake (61.96), wildfire (60.34), and flood (56.65)—all above state average and representing genuine hazard exposure. Tornado risk (56.20) also approaches state average levels, while hurricane risk remains moderate at 45.89.
Invest in comprehensive hazard coverage
Beyond standard homeowners insurance, Highland County residents should seriously consider earthquake and flood endorsements, which are typically sold as separate policies. Create a defensible space around your home to reduce wildfire risk, and ensure your emergency supplies include water, medications, and important documents.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Highland County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Highland County
Risk Verdict
Highland County's FEMA risk score places it at the 43th percentile nationally, indicating lower-than-typical exposure for a U.S. county. The 43th percentile national ranking is one lens; Highland County residents also benefit from reviewing which specific hazard types drive the county's composite score and preparing accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Highland County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 62th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 60th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (57th percentile), tornado (56th percentile), hurricane (46th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With earthquake ranked as the top hazard at the 62th percentile nationally, Highland County residents benefit from reviewing homeowners insurance: standard policies rarely cover earthquake damage, and separate earthquake insurance must be purchased before an event. Wildfire at the 60th percentile nationally is a separate hazard dimension for Highland County that requires different protective strategies from earthquake preparedness. Earthquake insurance in Highland County is typically offered as a separate policy — standard homeowners coverage excludes ground movement. Reviewing this gap and comparing policy options before an event is a financial preparedness step with potentially large consequences.
Regional Context
At 11.8 points below the Ohio state average, Highland County is among the lower-risk counties in the state for natural disaster exposure.
Is your household prepared for Highland County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Highland County, OH?
What types of natural hazards affect Highland County?
How does Highland County risk compare to the Ohio average?
Is Highland County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Highland 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.