Lawrence County Disaster Risk
Lawrence County, Ohio
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
71th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#22
of 88 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
84th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 84% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 53% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 48% 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 48% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Lawrence County, Ohio
Lawrence County sits above national average
Lawrence County's composite risk score of 70.99 exceeds the national baseline and carries a Relatively Low rating. This positioning indicates meaningful natural hazard exposure that warrants attention from residents and property owners.
Higher-risk county in Ohio
At 70.99, Lawrence County's score substantially exceeds Ohio's state average of 55.03, placing it in the upper range of the state's risk profile. It ranks among counties with notably elevated natural disaster exposure.
Most hazardous county in its region
Lawrence County's 70.99 composite score exceeds most adjacent Appalachian counties in the southern part of the state. Its elevated flood risk particularly distinguishes it from neighboring areas with lower riverine exposure.
Floods and wildfires pose distinct threats
Flood risk dominates at 83.75, reflecting the county's river systems and topography, while wildfire exposure (53.24) significantly exceeds state averages. Tornadoes (48.25) remain a secondary concern but still present measurable risk.
Prioritize flood and wildfire insurance
Lawrence County's extreme flood risk makes flood insurance non-negotiable, especially for properties near the Ohio River and tributary systems. Homeowners in wooded areas should also ensure their policies include adequate wildfire and wind coverage.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Lawrence County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Lawrence County
Risk Verdict
Lawrence County sits below the national average for natural disaster exposure, ranking at the 71th percentile across all U.S. counties. Understanding the specific hazards behind Lawrence County's ranking helps residents prioritize where to direct emergency planning efforts.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Lawrence County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 84th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 53th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (49th percentile), hurricane (48th percentile), tornado (48th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With flood ranked as the primary hazard at the 84th percentile nationally, Lawrence County households should build a go-bag that includes important documents, medications, and supplies to sustain the family for at least three days if evacuation is needed. Alongside flooding, wildfire exposure at the 53th percentile means households benefit from a multi-hazard preparedness plan rather than focusing on flood alone. A waterproof container for documents (insurance policies, ID, prescriptions) and a clear household communication plan for when phone networks are congested are the two highest-value low-cost preparedness steps for Lawrence County households.
Regional Context
A composite score 16.0 points above the Ohio state average puts Lawrence County in a higher-risk category than most counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Lawrence County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Lawrence County, OH?
What types of natural hazards affect Lawrence County?
How does Lawrence County risk compare to the Ohio average?
Is Lawrence County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Lawrence 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.