Ohio natural disaster risk
Ohio ranks #24 of 51 from safest. Its biggest relative risks are riverine flooding, ice storm, strong wind.
The vertical line marks the middle of U.S. counties (50).
Risk in Ohio's largest counties
| County | Population | Risk score | FEMA rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Franklin County | 1,333,048 | 98.1 | Relatively High |
| Cuyahoga County | 1,245,873 | 98.0 | Relatively High |
| Hamilton County | 830,774 | 96.3 | Relatively High |
| Summit County | 537,864 | 91.2 | Relatively Moderate |
| Montgomery County | 536,096 | 92.7 | Relatively Moderate |
| Lucas County | 428,018 | 92.4 | Relatively Moderate |
| Butler County | 392,876 | 91.5 | Relatively Moderate |
| Stark County | 373,713 | 87.9 | Relatively Moderate |
| Lorain County | 317,129 | 86.3 | Relatively Moderate |
| Warren County | 250,008 | 77.8 | Relatively Low |
| Lake County | 232,216 | 77.4 | Relatively Low |
| Delaware County | 226,834 | 78.8 | Relatively Low |
| Mahoning County | 226,491 | 83.6 | Relatively Moderate |
| Clermont County | 211,181 | 77.9 | Relatively Low |
| Trumbull County | 200,929 | 84.5 | Relatively Moderate |
| Medina County | 183,660 | 69.0 | Relatively Low |
| Licking County | 181,837 | 78.9 | Relatively Low |
| Greene County | 169,688 | 75.7 | Relatively Low |
| Fairfield County | 163,453 | 72.6 | Relatively Low |
| Portage County | 161,956 | 65.1 | Relatively Low |
| Clark County | 135,158 | 77.1 | Relatively Low |
| Wood County | 132,064 | 65.7 | Relatively Low |
| Richland County | 125,099 | 61.3 | Relatively Low |
| Wayne County | 116,588 | 64.9 | Relatively Low |
| Miami County | 110,296 | 61.4 | Relatively Low |
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 Ohio
- Wyandot County 17.4
- Carroll County 19.9
- Van Wert County 20.1
- Morrow County 24.4
- Hardin County 24.4
- Madison County 24.9
- Fayette County 25.9
- Perry County 26.0
Cities in Ohio
- Cincinnati, OH risk 82.9
- Columbus, OH risk 84.9
- Cleveland, OH risk 88.5
- Dayton, OH risk 85
- Akron, OH risk 85.1
- Toledo, OH risk 82.4
Frequently asked questions
Is Ohio safe from natural disasters?
Ohio's population-weighted FEMA risk score is 79 out of 100 (above average for U.S. counties), #24 of 51 from safest. About 29% of residents live in counties FEMA rates relatively high or very high.
What natural disasters happen in Ohio?
The highest relative risks in Ohio are riverine flooding, ice storm, strong wind (national percentile scores 85, 84, 83).
Where is the safest place to live in Ohio?
Among counties with at least 20,000 people, the lowest FEMA risk scores are in Wyandot County, Carroll County, Van Wert County.