Holmes County Disaster Risk
Holmes County, Ohio
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
60th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#42
of 88 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
71th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 71% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 47% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 67% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 42% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 52% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Holmes County, Ohio
Holmes County faces elevated disaster risk
At 60.40, Holmes County's composite risk score exceeds Ohio's 55.03 state average and sits above the national median. This relatively low rating signals above-average but manageable hazard exposure for residents and property owners.
Among Ohio's higher-risk counties
Holmes County's 60.40 score ranks it above the state average and in Ohio's upper-risk tier. The county faces more natural hazard exposure than the majority of Ohio's counties.
Riskiest county in its peer group
Holmes County's 60.40 score significantly exceeds all nearby counties: Hardin (24.43), Harrison (11.42), Henry (33.81), Highland (43.19), Jackson (35.75), and Hocking (47.30), and only trails Huron (50.29) among its eight-county cohort. It stands out as notably more hazard-exposed than its region.
Tornadoes and flooding lead, wildfire significant
Holmes County faces three substantial hazards: tornado risk (66.73), flood risk (71.18)—the highest in its peer group—and wildfire risk (46.88), all above or near state average. Hurricane (52.02) and earthquake (41.86) risks are secondary but noteworthy.
Build comprehensive, multi-hazard preparedness
Holmes County residents should bundle homeowners insurance with flood and earthquake coverage, then identify a tornado safe room and maintain a weather radio. Clear vegetation around your property, ensure proper drainage, and keep emergency supplies including water, medications, and documents in a waterproof, portable container.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Holmes County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Holmes County
Risk Verdict
With a national percentile rank of 60th, Holmes County faces below-average hazard exposure relative to U.S. counties as a whole. Above-average risk does not mean imminent danger; it signals that informed, hazard-specific preparedness has high value here.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Holmes County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 71th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 67th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (52th percentile), wildfire (47th percentile), earthquake (42th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With flood risk ranking at the 71th percentile nationally, Holmes County residents face one of the most financially damaging hazards without specialized coverage. Flood insurance through the NFIP or a private carrier is worth evaluating regardless of current mortgage requirements. Alongside flooding, tornado exposure at the 67th percentile means households benefit from a multi-hazard preparedness plan rather than focusing on flood alone. Registering for Holmes County's county emergency alert system — typically through the county emergency management office's website — ensures households receive early warning when flood events develop faster than forecast.
Regional Context
At 5.4 points above the Ohio state average, Holmes County carries meaningfully higher natural disaster exposure than a typical Ohio county.
Is your household prepared for Holmes County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Holmes County, OH?
What types of natural hazards affect Holmes County?
How does Holmes County risk compare to the Ohio average?
Is Holmes County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Holmes County higher risk than average?
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.