Licking County Disaster Risk
Licking County, Ohio
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
79th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#12
of 88 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
86th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 86% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 42% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 61% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 66% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 35% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Licking County, Ohio
Licking County faces high natural hazard risk
Licking County's composite risk score of 78.91 substantially exceeds the national average with a Relatively Low rating. This county experiences significant cumulative exposure to multiple natural disaster types.
Among Ohio's highest-risk counties
At 78.91, Licking County ranks in the state's top tier, far exceeding Ohio's 55.03 average. Only a handful of Ohio counties carry comparable or higher composite risk scores.
Riskier than most surrounding counties
Licking County's 78.91 score outpaces most central Ohio neighbors, making it a relative natural hazard hotspot. Its exceptional flood and tornado risks particularly distinguish it from adjacent counties.
Floods, earthquakes, and tornadoes converge
Licking County faces extreme flood risk at 85.97 and unusually high earthquake exposure at 65.87, a combination uncommon in Ohio. Tornado risk of 61.45 adds a third significant hazard, creating a complex risk profile.
Multi-hazard insurance strategy essential
Flood insurance is critical for Licking County residents given the 85.97 score, particularly for properties near water features. Standard homeowners coverage should include earthquake protection—rare in Ohio but justified by the county's 65.87 score—along with comprehensive wind and tornado coverage.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Licking County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Licking County
Risk Verdict
With a national percentile rank of 79th, Licking County faces below-average hazard exposure relative to U.S. counties as a whole. Proactive preparedness — not reactive response — is key to managing life in one of the country's higher-risk counties; Licking County residents should plan accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Licking County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 86th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 66th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (61th percentile), wildfire (42th percentile), hurricane (35th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With flood risk ranking at the 86th percentile nationally, Licking 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. Secondary earthquake exposure at the 66th percentile adds a second preparedness layer; households should review coverage options and alert sign-up for both hazard types. Registering for Licking 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 23.9 points above the Ohio state average, Licking County carries meaningfully higher natural disaster exposure than a typical Ohio county.
Is your household prepared for Licking County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Licking County, OH?
What types of natural hazards affect Licking County?
How does Licking County risk compare to the Ohio average?
Is Licking County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Licking 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.