Miami County Disaster Risk
Miami County, Ohio
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
61th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#37
of 88 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
70th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 70% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 21% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 75% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 80% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 34% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Miami County, Ohio
Miami County carries moderate-to-high risk
Miami County's composite risk score of 61.39 earns a Relatively Low rating, placing it 11% above Ohio's 55.03 state average. The county experiences elevated exposure to tornadoes and earthquakes paired with significant flood risk. This mixed hazard profile creates specific vulnerabilities that warrant targeted preparedness planning.
Mid-to-upper range among Ohio counties
Miami County ranks in Ohio's upper-middle risk tier with a 61.39 composite score, notably above the 55.03 state average. The county experiences somewhat elevated hazard exposure compared to western neighbors but lower risk than northeastern industrial areas. This position indicates selective preparedness needs across multiple hazard types.
Comparable to central Ohio peers
Miami County's 61.39 risk score closely matches Marion County (61.10) and trails Medina County (68.96) while significantly exceeding Madison County (24.90) and Mercer County (31.65). The county occupies a moderate position within its central Ohio cluster. Regional preparedness conversations should include both Miami and Marion Counties as peers.
Tornadoes and earthquakes dominate threats
Miami County faces significant tornado risk (75.38) and substantial earthquake risk (80.41)—both well above state averages. Flood risk reaches 70.13, creating secondary vulnerability during heavy rain events. Hurricane risk remains modest at 33.54, while wildfire risk is moderate at 21.02.
Storm, earthquake, and flood coverage key
Strong wind and hail coverage in your homeowners policy directly addresses Miami County's 75.38 tornado risk and severe weather exposure. Earthquake insurance becomes important given the exceptional 80.41 earthquake risk score—among Ohio's highest for this hazard. Add flood coverage to complete protection against the 70.13 flood risk.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Miami County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Miami County
Risk Verdict
Miami County has a below-average natural disaster risk profile, scoring at the 61th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Households in Miami County benefit from knowing which individual hazard types — flood, wildfire, tornado, or hurricane — are the primary contributors.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Miami County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 80th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 75th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (70th percentile), hurricane (34th percentile), wildfire (21th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Earthquake risk is Miami County's leading natural hazard, ranked at the 80th percentile nationally. Securing tall furniture, water heaters, and bookcases to walls with anti-tip hardware is among the simplest and most effective life-safety measures households can take. The county's tornado risk at the 75th percentile nationally is a seasonal consideration alongside the year-round earthquake threat, requiring awareness of both hazard types. Miami County residents should locate the main gas shutoff valve and keep an appropriate wrench nearby — gas leaks cause a significant share of earthquake-related injuries and fires, and the shutoff step is safe to take immediately after shaking stops.
Regional Context
Miami County's composite risk score sits 6.4 points above the Ohio county average, placing it among the more hazard-exposed counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Miami County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Miami County, OH?
What types of natural hazards affect Miami County?
How does Miami County risk compare to the Ohio average?
Is Miami County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Miami 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.