Pickaway County Disaster Risk
Pickaway County, Ohio
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
51th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#51
of 88 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
66th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 66% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 19% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 53% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 54% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 27% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Pickaway County, Ohio
Pickaway sits below the national average
With a composite risk score of 50.92, Pickaway County faces relatively low natural disaster risk compared to the national average. The county's "Relatively Low" rating means residents experience fewer high-impact hazards than most U.S. counties.
Middle of the pack in Ohio
Pickaway's risk score of 50.92 falls slightly below Ohio's state average of 55.03, positioning it in the safer half of Ohio counties. The county ranks as a moderate-risk area within its state.
Safer than Pike, similar to Ross
Pickaway (50.92) carries notably less risk than neighboring Pike County (43.13) but sits slightly higher than nearby Ross County (62.88). Among its peers, Pickaway represents a balanced risk profile for central Ohio.
Floods and tornadoes are the main threats
Flooding poses Pickaway's greatest hazard risk at 65.97, more than 15 points above the state average. Tornado risk ranks second at 52.86, making severe spring storms a legitimate concern for residents.
Flood insurance should be your priority
With flood risk nearly 16 points above state average, standard homeowners policies won't cover water damage—you need separate flood insurance. Secure tornado-resistant shelter plans and regularly update emergency supplies, especially during spring severe weather season.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Pickaway County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Pickaway County
Risk Verdict
Pickaway County sits below the national average for natural disaster exposure, ranking at the 51th percentile across all U.S. counties. Understanding the specific hazards behind Pickaway County's ranking helps residents prioritize where to direct emergency planning efforts.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Pickaway County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 66th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 54th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (53th percentile), hurricane (27th percentile), wildfire (19th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With flood ranked as the primary hazard at the 66th percentile nationally, Pickaway County households should build a go-bag that includes important documents, medications, and supplies to sustain the family for at least three days if evacuation is needed. Alongside flooding, earthquake exposure at the 54th percentile means households benefit from a multi-hazard preparedness plan rather than focusing on flood alone. A waterproof container for documents (insurance policies, ID, prescriptions) and a clear household communication plan for when phone networks are congested are the two highest-value low-cost preparedness steps for Pickaway County households.
Regional Context
Pickaway County's composite risk score is within 4.1 points of the Ohio county average — a close alignment that reflects a broadly representative hazard environment for this part of the state.
Is your household prepared for Pickaway County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Pickaway County, OH?
What types of natural hazards affect Pickaway County?
How does Pickaway County risk compare to the Ohio average?
Is Pickaway County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Pickaway 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.