Marion County Disaster Risk
Marion County, Ohio
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
61th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#40
of 88 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
65th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 65% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 4% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 63% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 69% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 45% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Marion County, Ohio
Marion County carries moderate risk overall
Marion County's composite risk score of 61.10 earns a Relatively Low rating, sitting 11% above Ohio's 55.03 state average. The county experiences moderate exposure to several hazard types but lacks the severe concentration seen in higher-risk areas. Residents face higher-than-average tornado and flood exposure paired with minimal wildfire threat.
Mid-tier risk among Ohio counties
Marion County ranks in the middle range of Ohio's county risk profiles, with its 61.10 composite score modestly above the 55.03 state average. The county experiences somewhat elevated hazard exposure compared to western Ohio peers but lower risk than northeastern counties. This middle-ground position means selective preparedness planning rather than across-the-board urgency.
Comparable to central Ohio peers
Marion County's 61.10 risk score aligns closely with Miami County (61.39) and Marion County to the south while trailing Medina County (68.96) to the north. Madison County to the west (24.90) presents a notably safer profile, reflecting the risk gradient across central Ohio. Marion County occupies a moderate position within its regional cluster.
Tornadoes and flooding are primary concerns
Marion County faces significant tornado risk (62.95) and flood risk (64.89), both tracking near or above the state average. Earthquake risk reaches 69.15, creating secondary vulnerability during seismic events. Wildfire risk remains minimal at 3.69, allowing residents to focus preparedness efforts on weather-related hazards.
Standard coverage with flood addition
Homeowners insurance covering wind and hail damage directly addresses Marion County's 62.95 tornado risk and severe weather exposure. Flood insurance becomes important given the 64.89 flood risk score—consider it a priority rather than optional. Earthquake coverage is worth discussing with your agent given the 69.15 risk score, particularly for older structures.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Marion County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Marion County
Risk Verdict
Marion County sits below the national average for natural disaster exposure, ranking at the 61th percentile across all U.S. counties. Understanding the specific hazards behind Marion County's ranking helps residents prioritize where to direct emergency planning efforts.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Marion County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 69th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 65th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (63th percentile), hurricane (45th percentile), wildfire (4th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 69th percentile nationally for earthquake risk, Marion County is in a zone where a post-earthquake communications plan matters almost as much as pre-earthquake structural preparation — phone networks are typically congested for hours after a significant event. Flood at the 65th percentile nationally is a separate hazard dimension for Marion County that requires different protective strategies from earthquake preparedness. For Marion County households, the three highest-impact earthquake preparedness actions are: (1) anchor heavy furniture and water heaters, (2) store three days of water at one gallon per person per day, and (3) identify a family reunification plan for the post-quake communication blackout period.
Regional Context
A composite score 6.1 points above the Ohio state average puts Marion County in a higher-risk category than most counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Marion County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Marion County, OH?
What types of natural hazards affect Marion County?
How does Marion County risk compare to the Ohio average?
Is Marion County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Marion 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.