Scioto County Disaster Risk
Scioto County, Ohio
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
70th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#24
of 88 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
82th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 82% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 34% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 45% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 63% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 43% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Scioto County, Ohio
Scioto ranks above average nationally
Scioto County's composite risk score of 70.23 places it in the relatively low category, but it sits above the national average for overall disaster risk. This means residents face moderate exposure to multiple natural hazards compared to the typical American county.
Higher risk than most Ohio counties
With a score of 70.23, Scioto County ranks above Ohio's state average of 55.03, putting it among the state's more hazard-prone regions. Only a few Ohio counties face greater composite risk exposure than Scioto.
Scioto faces steeper risks than nearby peers
Scioto's 70.23 score significantly exceeds Union County's 32.73 and Seneca County's 46.85, making it one of the riskier counties in its geographic region. Neighboring Tuscarawas County shows a similar profile at 69.02, suggesting a cluster of moderate risk in southern Ohio.
Flooding and earthquakes top concerns
Scioto County faces its greatest natural disaster risk from flooding (81.97) and earthquake hazards (62.56), both well above the state average. Tornado risk of 44.97 adds a secondary concern, though it remains below the state median.
Prioritize flood insurance now
Residents should secure comprehensive flood insurance immediately, as Scioto's flood risk of 81.97 is among the highest in Ohio. Earthquake coverage and wind/storm protection are also worth evaluating through your homeowner's policy.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Scioto County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Scioto County
Risk Verdict
With a national percentile rank of 70th, Scioto County faces below-average hazard exposure relative to U.S. counties as a whole. Above-average risk does not mean imminent danger; it signals that informed, hazard-specific preparedness has high value here.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Scioto County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 82th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 63th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (45th percentile), hurricane (43th percentile), wildfire (34th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With flood risk ranking at the 82th percentile nationally, Scioto County residents face one of the most financially damaging hazards without specialized coverage. Flood insurance through the NFIP or a private carrier is worth evaluating regardless of current mortgage requirements. The county's second-ranked hazard, earthquake at the 63th percentile nationally, means Scioto County residents face compounding risks from multiple natural hazard types during peak seasons. Registering for Scioto County's county emergency alert system — typically through the county emergency management office's website — ensures households receive early warning when flood events develop faster than forecast.
Regional Context
At 15.2 points above the Ohio state average, Scioto County carries meaningfully higher natural disaster exposure than a typical Ohio county.
Is your household prepared for Scioto County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Scioto County, OH?
What types of natural hazards affect Scioto County?
How does Scioto County risk compare to the Ohio average?
Is Scioto County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Scioto 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.