Missouri natural disaster risk
Missouri ranks #25 of 51 from safest. Its biggest relative risks are heat wave, tornado, cold wave.
The vertical line marks the middle of U.S. counties (50).
Risk in Missouri's largest counties
| County | Population | Risk score | FEMA rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Louis County | 995,569 | 99.3 | Relatively High |
| Jackson County | 719,976 | 96.5 | Relatively High |
| St. Charles County | 414,535 | 92.6 | Relatively Moderate |
| Greene County | 303,375 | 90.1 | Relatively Moderate |
| St. Louis city | 288,512 | 98.7 | Relatively High |
| Clay County | 258,122 | 89.8 | Relatively Moderate |
| Jefferson County | 229,458 | 90.5 | Relatively Moderate |
| Boone County | 188,043 | 85.8 | Relatively Moderate |
| Jasper County | 124,357 | 85.6 | Relatively Moderate |
| Cass County | 110,773 | 74.9 | Relatively Low |
| Platte County | 110,371 | 71.4 | Relatively Low |
| Franklin County | 105,950 | 83.5 | Relatively Moderate |
| Christian County | 92,915 | 66.5 | Relatively Low |
| Buchanan County | 83,568 | 74.4 | Relatively Low |
| Cape Girardeau County | 82,735 | 85.7 | Relatively Moderate |
| Cole County | 77,032 | 73.4 | Relatively Low |
| St. Francois County | 66,999 | 78.5 | Relatively Low |
| Lincoln County | 63,057 | 67.1 | Relatively Low |
| Newton County | 60,118 | 77.5 | Relatively Low |
| Taney County | 56,529 | 84.0 | Relatively Moderate |
| Johnson County | 54,732 | 54.9 | Relatively Low |
| Pulaski County | 53,894 | 60.5 | Relatively Low |
| Phelps County | 45,194 | 53.7 | Relatively Low |
| Callaway County | 44,741 | 63.9 | Relatively Low |
| Camden County | 43,667 | 88.4 | Relatively Moderate |
County scores are averages, and the insurance figure above is what owners with a mortgage reported paying in 2024 (Census American Community Survey); premiums have risen since, especially in high-risk areas. For a specific home, check the address on FEMA's flood map and get insurance quotes before you commit. Our guide explains how to check natural disaster risk before you move.
Lowest-risk counties in Missouri
- Adair County 28.7
- Randolph County 35.8
- Ray County 44.4
- Webster County 44.6
- Nodaway County 45.6
- Marion County 47.9
- Audrain County 51.4
- Saline County 51.6
Cities in Missouri
- St. Louis, MO risk 92.2
- Kansas City, MO risk 87.7
- Springfield, MO risk 77.8
Frequently asked questions
Is Missouri safe from natural disasters?
Missouri's population-weighted FEMA risk score is 80.1 out of 100 (among the highest of U.S. counties), #25 of 51 from safest. About 33% of residents live in counties FEMA rates relatively high or very high.
What natural disasters happen in Missouri?
The highest relative risks in Missouri are heat wave, tornado, cold wave (national percentile scores 92, 86, 81).
Where is the safest place to live in Missouri?
Among counties with at least 20,000 people, the lowest FEMA risk scores are in Adair County, Randolph County, Ray County.