Perry County Disaster Risk
Perry County, Ohio
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
26th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#76
of 88 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
47th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 47% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 18% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 32% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 36% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 19% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Perry County, Ohio
Perry County enjoys excellent low-risk status
Perry County's composite risk score of 25.99 earns a "Very Low" rating and falls well below the U.S. average, placing it among safer American counties. Residents benefit from substantially lower natural disaster exposure compared to most U.S. communities.
Among Ohio's safest counties
Perry County's 25.99 score significantly undercuts Ohio's 55.03 state average, ranking it among the state's most secure areas. The county's balanced, low profile across all hazard types reinforces this safety advantage.
Safest in its peer group
Perry County (25.99) is one of the safest counties in its region, comparable to Morgan County (18.23) and Morrow County (24.40), and substantially safer than Muskingum County (70.93). This makes it a genuinely low-risk location within southeastern Ohio.
Flood risk tops a well-balanced profile
Perry County's flood risk of 47.04 is its highest hazard score, reflecting the county's small waterways and hilly terrain, though it remains below state average. All other hazards—tornado, earthquake, wildfire, and hurricane—score below 37, creating an exceptionally manageable disaster risk picture.
Basic homeowners coverage sufficient
Perry County residents can confidently rely on standard homeowners insurance without specialized add-ons given the county's very low overall risk profile. Annual policy reviews to confirm coverage limits remain good practice, but the county's low flood and tornado scores mean specialized riders are typically unnecessary.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Perry County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Perry County
Risk Verdict
Compared to the nation's 3,144 counties, Perry County ranks at the 26th percentile for natural disaster risk — toward the safer end of the spectrum. Being ranked at the 26th percentile nationally is an advantage for Perry County — it means fewer statistically likely events, though basic readiness ensures households are covered when exceptions occur.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Perry County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 47th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 36th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (32th percentile), hurricane (19th percentile), wildfire (18th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 47th percentile nationally for flood risk, Perry County residents benefit from understanding their specific flood zone status. Even one inch of floodwater causes significant structural damage to properties outside officially designated high-risk zones. The county's second-ranked hazard, earthquake at the 36th percentile nationally, means Perry County residents face compounding risks from multiple natural hazard types during peak seasons. A tested family preparedness plan specific to Perry County's primary hazards — including how to shelter in place or evacuate, and who to call — provides more real protection than a general emergency kit sitting unused on a shelf.
Regional Context
At 29.0 points below the Ohio state average, Perry County is among the lower-risk counties in the state for natural disaster exposure.
Is your household prepared for Perry County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Perry County, OH?
What types of natural hazards affect Perry County?
How does Perry County risk compare to the Ohio average?
Is Perry County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Perry 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.