riskbycounty
FEMA NRI 1.19.0Updated Nov 2023 · Coverage 2014–2023Methodology

Lucas County Disaster Risk

Lucas County, Ohio

FEMA Risk Rating

Relatively Moderate

National Percentile

92th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#5

of 88 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

95th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Relatively High

Higher than 95% 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 High

Higher than 97% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Moderate

Higher than 88% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 57% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Lucas County, Ohio

Lucas County faces highest natural disaster risk

Lucas County's composite risk score of 92.40 is among the highest in the nation and carries a Relatively Moderate rating. This county represents one of America's most hazard-exposed natural disaster zones.

Ohio's highest-risk county by far

At 92.40, Lucas County ranks highest among all 88 Ohio counties in composite risk, dramatically exceeding the state average of 55.03. No other county in Ohio approaches this level of natural hazard exposure.

Dramatically riskier than surrounding counties

Lucas County's 92.40 score far surpasses all adjacent counties in northwest Ohio and Michigan border regions. Its combination of extreme tornado, flood, and earthquake risks creates a uniquely dangerous natural disaster environment.

Tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes converge

Lucas County faces catastrophic tornado risk at 97.33—the highest in Ohio—and extreme flood exposure at 95.42. Earthquake exposure reaches 88.14, reflecting the county's unique seismic and meteorological hazard profile.

Maximum protection strategies essential

Lucas County residents must carry flood insurance, maximum tornado/wind coverage, and earthquake protection given the exceptional 97.33 tornado, 95.42 flood, and 88.14 earthquake scores. Investing in a residential safe room or storm shelter is strongly recommended for this highest-risk county in Ohio.

Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Lucas County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    TornadoPrepare
    97th percentile
  2. #2
    FloodPrepare
    95th percentile
  3. #3
    EarthquakePrepare
    88th percentile

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)

Local Resources

Risk Advisory: Lucas County

Risk Verdict

Lucas County faces a moderate natural disaster risk profile, ranking at the 92th percentile nationally under FEMA's composite risk model. This risk level calls for more than general awareness: insurance coverage review, a family communication plan, and a prepared go-bag are practical priorities.

Hazard Breakdown

Tornado risk is Lucas County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 97th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 95th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (88th percentile), hurricane (57th percentile), wildfire (36th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Tornado risk is Lucas County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 97th percentile nationally. For Lucas County households, the most protective action available is identifying a reinforced interior room on the lowest floor — a bathroom, closet, or central hallway away from windows. Flood is the second hazard driver for Lucas County at the 95th percentile nationally, meaning households should maintain awareness of both severe-weather and flood-specific warning systems. A battery-powered NOAA All Hazards weather radio with an auto-alert tone is the highest-leverage single item for tornado preparedness in Lucas County, since it delivers warnings even when power is out and phone networks are congested.

Regional Context

Lucas County's composite risk score sits 37.4 points above the Ohio county average, placing it among the more hazard-exposed counties in the state.

Is your household prepared for Lucas County's hazards?

Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.

FEMA Ready Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the natural disaster risk in Lucas County, OH?
Lucas County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Relatively Moderate, placing it in the 92th percentile nationally out of 3,144 counties. This composite score reflects the county's overall exposure to natural hazards including floods, wildfires, tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes, weighted by expected annual loss and social vulnerability.
What types of natural hazards affect Lucas County?
Lucas County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: tornado (97th percentile), flooding (95th percentile), earthquake (88th percentile), hurricane (57th percentile), wildfire (36th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is tornado at the 97th percentile nationally. These scores are derived from FEMA's National Risk Index, which analyzes expected annual loss, social vulnerability, and community resilience for each hazard type.
How does Lucas County risk compare to the Ohio average?
Lucas County's composite risk percentile is 92th, compared to the Ohio state average of 55th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Lucas County faces higher natural disaster risk than the typical county in Ohio.
Is Lucas County at risk for tornado?
Yes, Lucas County's tornado risk is at the 97th percentile nationally. This places it in the top quartile for this hazard type. For flooding specifically, Lucas County is at the 95th percentile.
How is natural disaster risk measured?
FEMA's National Risk Index (NRI) calculates risk scores for 18 natural hazard types across all U.S. counties and census tracts. The composite score combines Expected Annual Loss (estimated dollar losses from each hazard), Social Vulnerability (demographic factors affecting disaster impact), and Community Resilience (ability to recover). Percentile scores rank each county against all 3,144 U.S. counties, and risk ratings range from Very Low to Very High.
Why is Lucas County higher risk than average?
Lucas County's composite risk score of 92th percentile is above the Ohio state average of 55th percentile. This elevated risk is driven by tornado exposure (97th percentile), along with flooding and earthquake and hurricane risk. Geographic location, terrain, climate patterns, and proximity to flood zones or fault lines all influence a county's risk profile.

Counties with Similar Risk

Montgomery County

Ohio

+0.3

Relatively Moderate

93th percentile

Butler County

Ohio

-0.9

Relatively Moderate

91th percentile

Summit County

Ohio

-1.2

Relatively Moderate

91th percentile

By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

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.

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