Knox County Disaster Risk
Knox County, Ohio
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
61th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#41
of 88 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
72th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 72% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 36% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 64% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 49% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 41% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Knox County, Ohio
Knox County maintains lower-than-average risk
Knox County's composite risk score of 61.04 falls slightly above the national median and carries a Relatively Low rating. This county represents a safer-than-average natural hazard exposure profile for the region.
Among Ohio's safer counties
With a score of 61.04 compared to Ohio's state average of 55.03, Knox County ranks in the middle-to-lower tier of the state's risk landscape. It remains below several neighboring counties in overall exposure.
Tornado risk stands out locally
Knox County's tornado risk of 64.31 significantly exceeds its other hazard exposures and outpaces many neighboring counties. However, its overall composite score remains competitive with surrounding areas, indicating balanced hazard distribution.
Tornadoes and floods are key threats
Tornado risk reaches 64.31 in Knox County, making severe weather the primary natural disaster concern. Flooding (71.98) ranks as the second major hazard, while earthquake exposure (48.54) and other risks remain relatively modest.
Invest in storm and flood coverage
Knox County residents should prioritize homeowners insurance with full wind and tornado coverage given the elevated tornado risk. Adding flood insurance is also recommended, particularly for properties near streams and low-lying areas.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Knox County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Knox County
Risk Verdict
Knox County ranks at the 61th percentile nationally for natural disaster risk — below the median for U.S. counties. Residents are encouraged to understand which hazards dominate locally and tailor their preparedness accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Knox County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 72th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 64th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (49th percentile), hurricane (41th percentile), wildfire (36th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Knox County sits at the 72th percentile nationally for flood exposure. Knowing your property's flood zone designation — available at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center — is the first step toward understanding actual exposure and insurance options. Secondary tornado exposure at the 64th percentile adds a second preparedness layer; households should review coverage options and alert sign-up for both hazard types. Regardless of specific hazard, Knox County households benefit from a practiced communication plan: a designated out-of-state contact and a pre-agreed evacuation destination established before the season's peak risk period.
Regional Context
Compared to other Ohio counties, Knox County runs 6.0 composite risk points higher than the state mean — reflecting above-average hazard concentration in this area.
Is your household prepared for Knox County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Knox County, OH?
What types of natural hazards affect Knox County?
How does Knox County risk compare to the Ohio average?
Is Knox County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Knox 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.