Summit County Disaster Risk
Summit County, Ohio
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
91th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#7
of 88 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
94th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 94% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 53% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 91% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 78% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 61% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Summit County, Ohio
Summit faces severe above-average risk
Summit County's composite risk score of 91.16 places it in the relatively moderate category and ranks among the highest-risk counties in the nation. This exceptional score reflects major exposure to floods, tornadoes, and other hazards.
Ohio's highest-risk county overall
Summit County's 91.16 score is the highest in Ohio, far exceeding the state average of 55.03 and surpassing all other counties in the state. Residents face exposure levels comparable only to the most hazard-prone American counties.
Summit's risks dwarf nearby counties
Summit's 91.16 score is substantially higher than neighboring Stark (87.95), Trumbull (84.48), and Tuscarawas (69.02), making it the clear risk leader in its region. This elevated profile affects home values, insurance costs, and emergency preparedness priorities.
Flood and tornado hazards extreme
Summit County faces extraordinary flood risk (94.02—the highest among these eight counties) and severe tornado risk (91.13), creating a dangerous combination for residents. Wildfire (53.18), earthquake (78.28), and hurricane (61.24) risks compound these threats.
Flood insurance is non-negotiable
Every Summit County property owner should carry separate flood insurance and comprehensive homeowner's coverage with strong tornado protection—these are essential safeguards, not luxuries. Review policies every year and document home improvements to justify replacement value.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Summit County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Summit County
Risk Verdict
Summit County's overall risk score at the 91th percentile nationally signals meaningful exposure to multiple natural hazard types. Comprehensive household preparedness — including reviewing insurance, maintaining emergency supplies, and knowing evacuation routes — is strongly recommended.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Summit County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 94th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 91th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (78th percentile), hurricane (61th percentile), wildfire (53th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Summit County sits at the 94th percentile nationally for flood exposure. Knowing your property's flood zone designation — available at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center — is the first step toward understanding actual exposure and insurance options. Alongside flooding, tornado exposure at the 91th percentile means households benefit from a multi-hazard preparedness plan rather than focusing on flood alone. Regardless of specific hazard, Summit County households benefit from a practiced communication plan: a designated out-of-state contact and a pre-agreed evacuation destination established before the season's peak risk period.
Regional Context
Compared to other Ohio counties, Summit County runs 36.1 composite risk points higher than the state mean — reflecting above-average hazard concentration in this area.
Is your household prepared for Summit County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Summit County, OH?
What types of natural hazards affect Summit County?
How does Summit County risk compare to the Ohio average?
Is Summit County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Summit 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.