Preble County Disaster Risk
Preble County, Ohio
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
43th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#60
of 88 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
51th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 51% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 14% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 77% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 63% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 28% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Preble County, Ohio
Preble ranks as relatively low-risk
Preble County's composite risk score of 43.29 earns a "Relatively Low" rating, placing it below the national disaster risk average. The county experiences fewer widespread natural hazards than most U.S. regions.
Below average for Ohio overall
At 43.29, Preble County scores well below Ohio's state average of 55.03, making it one of the state's safer counties. This 12-point advantage reflects notably lower exposure to multiple hazard types.
Tied with Pike, safer than Pickaway
Preble (43.29) essentially matches Pike County's risk level while significantly outperforming Pickaway (50.92) and Putnam (32.86) in southwestern Ohio. Its balanced risk profile makes it one of the region's more protected counties.
Tornadoes pose Preble's main threat
Tornado risk dominates Preble County at 76.65, making it the county's most significant natural hazard—significantly above Ohio's typical patterns. Earthquake risk at 63.17 ranks second, though less immediately threatening than spring storms.
Prepare for severe spring weather
With tornado risk at 76.65, develop a family tornado plan and identify safe shelter in your home—a basement or interior room away from windows. Ensure your homeowners insurance covers wind and hail damage, common tornado-related losses.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Preble County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Preble County
Risk Verdict
At the 43th percentile nationally, Preble County experiences a manageable level of natural hazard risk that falls below the U.S. median. A preparedness foundation — alert registration, household communication plan, and a basic supply review — costs little and remains valuable even at Preble County's favorable 43th percentile ranking.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Preble County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 77th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 63th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (51th percentile), hurricane (28th percentile), wildfire (14th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Preble County's primary hazard, tornado, ranks at the 77th percentile nationally. In Preble County, mobile homes and manufactured housing face significantly higher tornado risk than site-built structures; residents in these homes should identify the nearest permanent community shelter in advance. The secondary earthquake hazard at the 63th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Preble County's preparedness calendar, since earthquake and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. The highest-risk window for tornado fatalities is overnight, when Preble County residents may be asleep. A NOAA weather radio with overnight alert capability is the single most impactful low-cost preparedness step available to Preble County households.
Regional Context
Compared to the Ohio county average, Preble County's composite score runs 11.7 points lower — a gap that reflects the county's relatively modest hazard profile within its state context.
Is your household prepared for Preble County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Preble County, OH?
What types of natural hazards affect Preble County?
How does Preble County risk compare to the Ohio average?
Is Preble County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Preble 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.