Union County Disaster Risk
Union County, Ohio
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
33th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#72
of 88 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
53th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 53% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 4% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 49% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 49% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 23% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Union County, Ohio
Union ranks among nation's safest
Union County's composite risk score of 32.73 places it in the very low category and well below the national average, making it one of America's safest counties for natural disasters. This exceptional low score reflects minimal wildfire and hurricane exposure.
Ohio's lowest-risk county
Union County's 32.73 score is the lowest among Ohio's 88 counties and less than 60% of the state average of 55.03. Residents enjoy substantially greater natural disaster safety than nearly all other Ohioans.
Union significantly safer than peers
Union's 32.73 score is dramatically lower than all neighboring counties—Seneca (46.85), Shelby (56.20), and others—making it the region's clear safest choice. This advantageous position reflects its geographic isolation from major hazard corridors.
Tornado risk leads modest concerns
Union County's primary natural disaster risk comes from tornadoes (49.49), though this remains below many Ohio counties' averages. Flood risk of 52.67 is moderate, while wildfire (4.10) and hurricane (23.03) risks are minimal.
Standard coverage typically sufficient
Union County residents can rely on standard homeowner's insurance for most hazards, though tornado and wind protection should be verified in your policy. Your county's low-risk profile means fewer specialized policies are necessary compared to neighbors.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Union County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Union County
Risk Verdict
Union County sits in the lower tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure, ranked at the 33th percentile nationally. Union County's 33th percentile ranking is favorable, though every county carries at least one natural hazard worth knowing — reviewing the specific risks listed above helps households focus their preparedness where it matters most.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Union County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 53th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 49th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (49th percentile), hurricane (23th percentile), wildfire (4th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With flood risk ranking at the 53th percentile nationally, Union 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. Alongside flooding, tornado exposure at the 49th percentile means households benefit from a multi-hazard preparedness plan rather than focusing on flood alone. Registering for Union 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
Union County falls 22.3 points below Ohio's typical county risk level, making it one of the safer natural-hazard environments in the state.
Is your household prepared for Union County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Union County, OH?
What types of natural hazards affect Union County?
How does Union County risk compare to the Ohio average?
Is Union County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Union 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.