Ohio County Disaster Risk
Ohio County, West Virginia
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
70th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#13
of 55 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
85th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 85% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 15% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 33% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 29% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 52% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Ohio County, West Virginia
Ohio County's Elevated Risk Profile
Ohio County's composite risk score of 69.82 substantially exceeds the national average, carrying a "Relatively Low" designation that understates its actual exposure. The county faces above-average natural disaster vulnerabilities, particularly in flooding, making it notably more at-risk than most U.S. counties.
Among West Virginia's Riskiest Counties
Ohio County's score of 69.82 ranks it among the higher-risk counties in West Virginia, well above the state average of 49.21. Only a handful of state counties exceed Ohio County's composite hazard exposure.
Highest Risk in Regional Cluster
Ohio County faces substantially greater risk than Pendleton County (30.12), Morgan County (30.44), and Preston County (33.84), though it's comparable to Putnam County (74.01). Its geographic position along major waterways contributes to elevated risk compared to neighboring upland counties.
Severe Flood Risk Dominates County
Flood risk is Ohio County's paramount concern, scoring 85.31—among the highest in West Virginia and substantially above state and national averages. Tornado risk (33.46) and hurricane exposure (52.11) are also noteworthy, while wildfire and earthquake risks remain minimal.
Flood Insurance Is Non-Negotiable
Ohio County residents face critical flood risk and should secure flood insurance immediately—standard homeowners policies do not cover flood damage. Additionally, ensure your home has proper drainage, elevated utilities where possible, and emergency preparedness for water-related disasters.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Ohio County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Ohio County
Risk Verdict
With a national percentile rank of 70th, Ohio 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
Flood risk is Ohio County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 85th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 52th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (33th percentile), earthquake (29th percentile), wildfire (15th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With flood risk ranking at the 85th percentile nationally, Ohio 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, hurricane exposure at the 52th percentile means households benefit from a multi-hazard preparedness plan rather than focusing on flood alone. Registering for Ohio 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
At 20.6 points above the West Virginia state average, Ohio County carries meaningfully higher natural disaster exposure than a typical West Virginia county.
Is your household prepared for Ohio County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Ohio County, WV?
What types of natural hazards affect Ohio County?
How does Ohio County risk compare to the West Virginia average?
Is Ohio County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Ohio 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.