Washington County Disaster Risk
Washington County, Ohio
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
64th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#33
of 88 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
81th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 81% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 23% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 33% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 47% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 57% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Washington County, Ohio
Washington's Elevated Risk Exposure
Washington County scores 64.41 on the composite risk scale, placing it above the national average with a Relatively Low rating. This southeastern Ohio county faces material exposure to multiple natural hazards, particularly floods and hurricanes driven by its Appalachian geography.
Above-Average Risk for Ohio
Washington's composite score of 64.41 exceeds Ohio's 55.03 average, ranking it among the state's more hazard-exposed counties. The county's elevated vulnerability reflects its position near major storm tracks and flood-prone river systems.
Higher Risk Than Most Regional Counties
Washington's 64.41 score places it above Vinton County (11.80) and Van Wert County (20.10), though below Warren County (77.80). Its southeastern location and topography create distinct hazard patterns compared to western Ohio peers.
Floods and Hurricanes Dominate
Washington faces flood risk of 80.53 and hurricane risk of 57.36—well above national averages and reflecting the county's exposure to Atlantic storm systems and river flooding. Tornado risk of 33.08 remains moderate but significant, requiring seasonal preparedness.
Flood Insurance Should Top Your List
Washington residents in flood-prone areas must secure National Flood Insurance Program coverage, as standard homeowners policies exclude flood damage entirely. Pair this with comprehensive homeowners coverage that includes wind/hail protection to address tornado and hurricane risks.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Washington County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Washington County
Risk Verdict
Washington County ranks at the 64th percentile nationally for natural disaster risk — below the median for U.S. counties. Residents are encouraged to understand which hazards dominate locally and tailor their preparedness accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Washington County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 81th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 57th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (47th percentile), tornado (33th percentile), wildfire (23th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Washington County sits at the 81th 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. Secondary hurricane exposure at the 57th percentile adds a second preparedness layer; households should review coverage options and alert sign-up for both hazard types. Regardless of specific hazard, Washington 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, Washington County runs 9.4 composite risk points higher than the state mean — reflecting above-average hazard concentration in this area.
Is your household prepared for Washington County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Washington County, OH?
What types of natural hazards affect Washington County?
How does Washington County risk compare to the Ohio average?
Is Washington County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Washington 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.