Stark County Disaster Risk
Stark County, Ohio
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
88th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#8
of 88 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
92th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 92% 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
Moderate
Higher than 88% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 79% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 58% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Stark County, Ohio
Stark faces significantly above-average risk
Stark County's composite risk score of 87.95 places it in the relatively moderate category, well above the national average and among the highest-risk counties nationwide. This elevated score reflects substantial exposure across multiple disaster types.
Third-highest risk in Ohio
Stark County's 87.95 score ranks it as one of Ohio's most hazard-prone counties, far exceeding the state average of 55.03. Only Summit and Trumbull Counties face greater composite risk in the state.
Stark dominates neighbors in risk
Stark's 87.95 score towers above neighbors Tuscarawas (69.02) and Shelby (56.20), marking it as the region's highest-risk county by a substantial margin. Its multifront exposure distinguishes it from counties with single dominant hazards.
Floods, tornadoes dominate Stark's risks
Stark County residents confront extreme flood risk (91.67) and severe tornado risk (87.69), both among Ohio's worst. Wildfire (48.95) and earthquake (78.75) risks add additional concerns, making Stark one of Ohio's most hazard-exposed counties.
Comprehensive coverage is critical now
Stark residents must secure robust flood insurance and ensure homeowner's policies include strong tornado and wind protection—these are not optional in this county. Review coverage annually given Stark's extreme multi-hazard exposure.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Stark County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Stark County
Risk Verdict
Stark County faces a moderate natural disaster risk profile, ranking at the 88th percentile nationally under FEMA's composite risk model. This risk level calls for more than general awareness: insurance coverage review, a family communication plan, and a prepared go-bag are practical priorities.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Stark County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 92th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 88th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (79th percentile), hurricane (58th percentile), wildfire (49th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Stark County's top natural hazard is flood risk, ranked at the 92th percentile nationally. Homeowners here should confirm whether they are in a FEMA-designated flood zone and check if standard homeowners insurance covers flood damage — it typically does not. The county's second-ranked hazard, tornado at the 88th percentile nationally, means Stark County residents face compounding risks from multiple natural hazard types during peak seasons. For most Stark County households, the highest-return preparedness step is storing critical documents in digital cloud backup combined with a pre-designated family meeting point if communication is disrupted.
Regional Context
Stark County's composite risk score sits 32.9 points above the Ohio county average, placing it among the more hazard-exposed counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Stark County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Stark County, OH?
What types of natural hazards affect Stark County?
How does Stark County risk compare to the Ohio average?
Is Stark County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Stark 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.