Medina County Disaster Risk
Medina County, Ohio
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
69th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#27
of 88 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
76th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 76% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 47% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 85% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 48% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 39% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Medina County, Ohio
Medina County faces elevated tornado risk
Medina County's composite risk score of 68.96 earns a Relatively Low rating, but sits 25% above Ohio's 55.03 state average. The county experiences elevated exposure concentrated in tornado and flood hazards, while earthquake and wildfire risks remain moderate. This mixed profile creates pockets of vulnerability rather than uniform high-risk conditions.
Higher-risk county in Ohio's range
Medina County ranks in Ohio's upper half for disaster risk with a 68.96 composite score, notably above the 55.03 state average. The county experiences stronger hazard exposure than many of its peers, particularly for tornado activity. This above-average position warrants deliberate preparedness planning, especially for severe spring weather.
Riskier than nearby alternatives
Medina County's 68.96 score exceeds adjacent Marion County (61.10) and Miami County (61.39) while trailing only Mahoning County (83.62) in its region. Madison County to the west (24.90) and Mercer County to the northwest (31.65) both carry substantially lower risk. Medina County represents one of the riskier options for northeast-central Ohio.
Tornadoes and flooding lead the list
Medina County faces exceptional tornado risk (84.64)—among Ohio's highest—paired with significant flood risk (75.51). Wildfire risk (46.56) runs moderate for the state, while earthquake (47.61) and hurricane risks (39.30) present secondary concerns. The tornado threat dominates the county's disaster profile and demands specific preparedness attention.
Prioritize storm and flood protection
Strong wind and hail coverage in your homeowners policy is essential for Medina County given the exceptional 84.64 tornado risk—among Ohio's highest. Flood insurance becomes a practical necessity with the 75.51 flood risk score. Consider a weather radio and reinforced safe room as complements to your insurance, given the county's tornado exposure.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Medina County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Medina County
Risk Verdict
With a national percentile rank of 69th, Medina County faces below-average hazard exposure relative to U.S. counties as a whole. Above-average risk does not mean imminent danger; it signals that informed, hazard-specific preparedness has high value here.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Medina County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 85th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 76th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (48th percentile), wildfire (47th percentile), hurricane (39th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 85th percentile nationally for tornado risk, Medina County households benefit most from a reliable alert system — a NOAA weather radio that activates during overnight hours when residents may not be checking smartphone alerts. Alongside tornado exposure, flood at the 76th percentile nationally means Medina County households face multi-hazard severe-weather seasons that benefit from a single integrated emergency plan covering both threats. For Medina County households, a pre-decided family shelter plan — who goes where, how children are retrieved from school during a warning, and a neighborhood meet-up point if phones fail — provides real protection that no supply kit alone can replicate.
Regional Context
At 13.9 points above the Ohio state average, Medina County carries meaningfully higher natural disaster exposure than a typical Ohio county.
Is your household prepared for Medina County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Medina County, OH?
What types of natural hazards affect Medina County?
How does Medina County risk compare to the Ohio average?
Is Medina County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Medina 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.