Mahoning County Disaster Risk
Mahoning County, Ohio
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
84th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#11
of 88 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
88th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 88% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 49% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 91% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 73% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 69% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Mahoning County, Ohio
Mahoning County faces above-average risk
Mahoning County's composite risk score of 83.62 earns a Relatively Moderate rating, placing it 52% above Ohio's 55.03 state average. The county experiences elevated exposure to multiple hazard types simultaneously, making it one of Ohio's higher-risk areas. This elevated profile demands active preparedness planning across several disaster categories.
Ohio's riskiest county for disasters
Mahoning County ranks as one of Ohio's most hazard-exposed counties with its 83.62 composite score—substantially higher than the 55.03 state average. The county faces above-average risk across nearly every disaster type measured. This statewide ranking reflects genuine vulnerability that residents should understand and plan for.
Significantly riskier than surrounding areas
Mahoning County's 83.62 risk score dramatically exceeds nearby counties like Medina County (68.96) and Miami County (61.39). Even Marion County to the west, at 61.10, carries substantially lower risk. Mahoning County's industrial history and geographic positioning create a unique hazard combination not seen in neighboring regions.
Floods, tornadoes, and wildfire dominate
Mahoning County faces exceptional tornado risk (91.16), flood risk (88.10), and wildfire risk (48.63)—all well above state averages. Earthquake risk (73.25) and hurricane risk (68.54) compound the county's hazard exposure. These overlapping threats mean residents need comprehensive disaster preparedness covering multiple scenarios.
Comprehensive insurance is essential here
Flood insurance is critical for Mahoning County residents given the 88.10 flood risk score—far above the state average. Standard homeowners policies covering wind and hail address the severe 91.16 tornado risk and support flood preparedness. Consider earthquake and additional wildfire coverage given the county's 73.25 earthquake and 48.63 wildfire scores.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Mahoning County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Mahoning County
Risk Verdict
At the 84th percentile nationally, Mahoning County sits in the upper half of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure. At this risk level, having a documented household preparedness plan — not just awareness — is the meaningful next step for Mahoning County residents.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Mahoning County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 91th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 88th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (73th percentile), hurricane (69th percentile), wildfire (49th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Tornado exposure at the 91th percentile nationally makes Mahoning County a county where a battery-powered weather radio — not just smartphone apps — is a worthwhile household investment, given that mobile networks often fail during severe storms. The secondary flood hazard at the 88th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Mahoning County's preparedness calendar, since flood and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. In Mahoning County, tornado watches indicate favorable atmospheric conditions while warnings mean rotation has been detected — households benefit from understanding this distinction so they shelter immediately on a warning, not after seeking visual confirmation.
Regional Context
The Ohio county average is 28.6 composite points below Mahoning County's score, a gap that reflects the county's elevated position in the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for Mahoning County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Mahoning County, OH?
What types of natural hazards affect Mahoning County?
How does Mahoning County risk compare to the Ohio average?
Is Mahoning County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Mahoning 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.