Ross County Disaster Risk
Ross County, Ohio
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
63th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#34
of 88 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
74th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 74% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 49% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 56% 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 36% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Ross County, Ohio
Ross faces elevated national risk
Ross County's composite risk score of 62.88 significantly exceeds the national average, indicating above-average natural disaster exposure. The county experiences more hazard threats than most American regions.
Among Ohio's riskier counties
At 62.88, Ross County exceeds Ohio's state average of 55.03 by nearly 8 points, ranking in the state's higher-risk tier. The county faces notably elevated exposure across multiple hazard types.
Ross ranks among region's riskiest
Ross (62.88) significantly exceeds nearby Pike (43.13) and Pickaway (50.92) but trails Portage (65.08) in southern Ohio. Its risk profile places it among the region's more hazardous counties.
Floods and wildfires are serious threats
Ross County's flood risk of 74.46 ranks among Ohio's worst, while wildfire risk at 48.54 significantly exceeds state patterns. These two hazards drive Ross's elevated composite risk significantly above state averages.
Flood insurance is essential coverage
With flood risk at 74.46, dedicated flood insurance is critical—standard homeowners policies exclude water damage entirely. Clear debris from wooded areas near your property, maintain gutters, and verify your insurance covers wildfire damage to structures and contents.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Ross County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Ross County
Risk Verdict
Ross County's FEMA risk score places it at the 63th percentile nationally, indicating lower-than-typical exposure for a U.S. county. A moderate composite score often means one or two hazard categories are doing the heavy lifting — knowing which ones matters for preparation.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Ross County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 74th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 56th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (54th percentile), wildfire (49th percentile), hurricane (36th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 74th percentile nationally for flood risk, Ross 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. Alongside flooding, tornado exposure at the 56th percentile means households benefit from a multi-hazard preparedness plan rather than focusing on flood alone. A tested family preparedness plan specific to Ross 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
The Ohio county average is 7.9 composite points below Ross County's score, a gap that reflects the county's elevated position in the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for Ross County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Ross County, OH?
What types of natural hazards affect Ross County?
How does Ross County risk compare to the Ohio average?
Is Ross County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Ross 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.