Paulding County Disaster Risk
Paulding County, Ohio
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
21th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#81
of 88 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
39th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 39% 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 51% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 50% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 32% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Paulding County, Ohio
Paulding ranks among nation's safest counties
Paulding County's composite risk score of 21.15 earns a "Very Low" rating and places it well below the U.S. average, ranking among the safest counties in America. Residents enjoy substantially lower exposure to natural disasters compared to most U.S. communities.
One of Ohio's lowest-risk counties
Paulding County's 21.15 score sits well below Ohio's 55.03 state average, placing it firmly in the state's safest tier. The county's exceptionally low wildfire risk (4.42) contributes significantly to this favorable standing.
Among the safest in its region
Paulding County (21.15) is safer than Ottawa County (59.16) and comparable to Morgan County (18.23) and Morrow County (24.40). This positions it among northwestern Ohio's most secure areas overall.
Tornado risk is the primary local concern
Paulding County's tornado risk of 51.24 is its highest hazard score, though it remains below state average and reflects the county's northern Great Plains exposure. All other hazards—earthquake, flood, wildfire, and hurricane—score below 51, creating a manageable and relatively focused risk profile.
Standard insurance covers most risks
Paulding County residents can typically rely on conventional homeowners insurance without specialized flood or windstorm riders given the county's exceptional safety profile. Focus on confirming that your policy includes adequate coverage for tornado-related wind damage, the county's primary hazard concern.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Paulding County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Paulding County
Risk Verdict
At the 21th percentile nationally, Paulding County experiences relatively limited natural hazard pressure compared to most of the country. A 21th percentile score positions Paulding County among the nation's lower-risk counties, a genuinely favorable outcome — one that simple, low-cost preparedness habits can reinforce further.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Paulding County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 51th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 50th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (39th percentile), hurricane (32th percentile), wildfire (4th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Paulding County ranks at the 51th percentile nationally for tornado exposure. Unlike many slow-onset hazards, tornadoes in Paulding County can reach full intensity in minutes; a pre-practiced household shelter plan matters far more than stockpiled supplies. Earthquake is the second hazard driver for Paulding County at the 50th percentile nationally, meaning households should maintain awareness of both severe-weather and earthquake-specific warning systems. Paulding County county emergency management typically publishes annual severe-weather preparedness guides tailored to local tornado patterns; households benefit from reviewing these before storm season begins each spring.
Regional Context
A composite score 33.9 points below the Ohio state average puts Paulding County in a better-than-typical position relative to neighboring counties.
Is your household prepared for Paulding County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Paulding County, OH?
What types of natural hazards affect Paulding County?
How does Paulding County risk compare to the Ohio average?
Is Paulding County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Paulding 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.