Meigs County Disaster Risk
Meigs County, Ohio
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
53th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#49
of 88 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
73th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 73% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 8% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 26% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 40% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 56% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Meigs County, Ohio
Meigs County carries near-average risk
Meigs County's composite risk score of 52.96 earns a Relatively Low rating, sitting just 4% below Ohio's 55.03 state average. The county experiences slightly lower-than-average hazard exposure overall, though concentrated vulnerabilities exist in specific areas. This near-average profile makes Meigs County representative of typical Ohio disaster risk.
Slightly safer than Ohio's average
Meigs County ranks near the middle of Ohio's county risk profiles with a 52.96 composite score, marginally below the 55.03 state average. The county avoids the extreme hazard concentrations seen in higher-risk areas while maintaining modest vulnerabilities across several categories. This positioning reflects a balanced, moderate-risk environment for southeast Ohio.
Safer than most surrounding counties
Meigs County's 52.96 score compares favorably to eastern peers like Mahoning County (83.62) and Marion County (61.10) while tracking slightly above Madison County (24.90). The county presents a reasonable middle ground within its regional context. This moderate standing makes it safer than several industrial-area neighbors while maintaining realistic preparedness needs.
Flooding and hurricane concerns lead
Meigs County faces elevated flood risk (72.74) and hurricane risk (55.65), both running above the state average. Tornado risk remains moderate at 25.51, while wildfire risk is minimal at 8.37. The county's southeast Ohio location positions it for hurricane remnant impacts and riverine flooding more than tornado exposure.
Flood and wind coverage matter here
Flood insurance should be a priority for Meigs County residents given the elevated 72.74 flood risk, particularly if you live near the Ohio River or tributaries. Standard homeowners coverage addressing wind and hail protects against the 55.65 hurricane risk and severe weather. Combined, these two coverage types address Meigs County's primary natural disaster exposures.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Meigs County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Meigs County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard pressure in Meigs County is below the national midpoint, with a composite score at the 53th percentile. Proactive emergency planning and awareness of the specific hazards driving Meigs County's score can meaningfully reduce household risk.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Meigs County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 73th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 56th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (40th percentile), tornado (26th percentile), wildfire (8th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Flood risk is Meigs County's top hazard at the 73th percentile nationally. Households in or near designated flood zones face elevated financial exposure; flood insurance typically requires a 30-day waiting period before it takes effect, so applying before the season is advisable. Alongside flooding, hurricane exposure at the 56th percentile means households benefit from a multi-hazard preparedness plan rather than focusing on flood alone. Households across Meigs County should identify the nearest community shelter and keep a basic emergency kit — water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlight, and battery radio — in a location easy to grab quickly.
Regional Context
Meigs County's risk score is broadly comparable to the Ohio county average, with a 2.1-point gap that places the county near the center of the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for Meigs County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Meigs County, OH?
What types of natural hazards affect Meigs County?
How does Meigs County risk compare to the Ohio average?
Is Meigs County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Meigs 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.