Madison County Disaster Risk
Madison County, Ohio
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
25th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#78
of 88 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
41th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 41% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 3% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 44% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 56% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 22% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Madison County, Ohio
Madison County's natural disaster risk
Madison County scores 24.90 on the composite natural disaster risk scale, earning a Very Low risk rating—well below Ohio's 55.03 state average and the national baseline. This puts the county in the lower tier for hazard exposure across all major disaster types. Residents here face substantially less overall risk than most of their state neighbors.
One of Ohio's safest counties
Madison County ranks among the lowest-risk counties in Ohio, with its 24.90 composite score placing it well beneath the 55.03 state average. Only a handful of Ohio counties experience lower composite risk profiles. This favorable position reflects both geographic advantages and reduced exposure to the state's most common hazards.
Safer than surrounding counties
Madison County's 24.90 risk score outperforms most adjacent counties, particularly Marion County (61.10) and Mercer County (31.65) to the north. Even when compared to Meigs County (52.96) to the east, Madison County maintains a significantly lower risk profile. Its geography provides natural protection that neighboring regions don't share.
Earthquakes and tornadoes pose most threat
Earthquake risk (55.57) and tornado risk (43.92) represent Madison County's most significant hazards, though both remain below state averages. Flood risk scores 41.48, while wildfire risk remains minimal at 2.86. The county's modest hazard exposure means most residents can focus on standard weather preparedness rather than specialized disaster planning.
Basic coverage meets Madison County needs
Standard homeowners insurance covering wind and hail damage addresses Madison County's primary weather threats from tornadoes and severe storms. While earthquake insurance is optional, the 55.57 earthquake risk score suggests it's worth evaluating with your agent. Flood insurance is generally affordable here given the 41.48 flood risk, making it a practical addition to any policy.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Madison County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Madison County
Risk Verdict
At the 25th percentile nationally, Madison County experiences relatively limited natural hazard pressure compared to most of the country. At the 25th percentile, Madison County's risk profile is among the more manageable in the country — the hazard-specific breakdown above shows where any remaining preparedness focus is best directed.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Madison County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 56th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 44th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (41th percentile), hurricane (22th percentile), wildfire (3th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Madison County ranks at the 56th percentile nationally for earthquake risk. Unlike most natural hazards, earthquakes provide no advance warning; preparedness here means structural adjustments and a practiced response, not alert monitoring. The county's tornado risk at the 44th percentile nationally is a seasonal consideration alongside the year-round earthquake threat, requiring awareness of both hazard types. For earthquake preparedness, Madison County's county emergency management office often maintains a list of community water supply points, Red Cross shelter locations, and post-quake assistance programs — useful resources to identify before an event occurs.
Regional Context
A composite score 30.1 points below the Ohio state average puts Madison County in a better-than-typical position relative to neighboring counties.
Is your household prepared for Madison County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Madison County, OH?
What types of natural hazards affect Madison County?
How does Madison County risk compare to the Ohio average?
Is Madison County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Madison County a safe place to live?
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.