Wood County Disaster Risk
Wood County, Ohio
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
66th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#30
of 88 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
76th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 76% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 14% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 81% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 70% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 44% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Wood County, Ohio
Wood's Above-Average Risk Exposure
Wood County scores 65.68 on the composite risk scale, placing it above the national average with a Relatively Low rating. This northwestern Ohio county faces material exposure to natural hazards, particularly tornadoes and earthquakes that define its risk profile.
Among Ohio's Higher-Risk Counties
Wood's composite score of 65.68 exceeds Ohio's 55.03 average, ranking it among the state's more hazard-exposed counties. The county's elevated profile reflects its location in Ohio's active tornado corridor and seismic zone.
Higher Risk Than Western Neighbors
Wood's 65.68 score exceeds Van Wert County (20.10), Wyandot County (17.40), and Williams County (44.40), placing it firmly in the region's higher-risk category. Its position reflects northeastern Ohio's more active hazard patterns.
Tornadoes and Earthquakes Dominate
Wood experiences tornado risk of 80.50 and earthquake risk of 69.75—among Ohio's highest exposures—alongside significant flood risk of 75.70. These three hazards create a complex threat environment demanding comprehensive preparedness and insurance.
Comprehensive Multi-Hazard Protection
Wood residents should secure homeowners insurance with enhanced wind/hail coverage for tornado protection, plus separate flood insurance for properties in inundation zones. Adding earthquake coverage as a rider ensures protection across the county's full hazard spectrum.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Wood County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Wood County
Risk Verdict
With a national percentile rank of 66th, Wood 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
Tornado risk is Wood County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 81th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 76th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (70th percentile), hurricane (44th percentile), wildfire (14th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 81th percentile nationally for tornado risk, Wood County households benefit most from a reliable alert system — a NOAA weather radio that activates during overnight hours when residents may not be checking smartphone alerts. Flood is the second hazard driver for Wood County at the 76th percentile nationally, meaning households should maintain awareness of both severe-weather and flood-specific warning systems. For Wood County households, a pre-decided family shelter plan — who goes where, how children are retrieved from school during a warning, and a neighborhood meet-up point if phones fail — provides real protection that no supply kit alone can replicate.
Regional Context
At 10.7 points above the Ohio state average, Wood County carries meaningfully higher natural disaster exposure than a typical Ohio county.
Is your household prepared for Wood County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Wood County, OH?
What types of natural hazards affect Wood County?
How does Wood County risk compare to the Ohio average?
Is Wood County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Wood 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.