Chariton County, Missouri Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · MO
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 29th
Chariton County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 29.4, 29th national percentile), driven primarily by drought and landslide exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $8M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Chariton County at very low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 29.4 out of 100 — placing it in the 29th national percentile and among the lowest-risk counties in the country. The score blends Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across all 18 FEMA hazard types.
Risk here concentrates in drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Medium risk — $549K in expected annual loss and about 12.85 events per year; landslide (downhill movement of rock, soil, and debris on unstable slopes) at Low risk — $4K in expected annual loss and about 0.21 events per year; and heat wave (prolonged periods of extreme heat that threaten health and infrastructure) at Low risk — $588K in expected annual loss and about 10.32 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $8M in expected annual loss for a population of 7K.
Beyond physical exposure, Chariton County has a medium social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a high community resilience rating (its capacity to prepare for and recover from disasters). A less vulnerable population paired with strong resilience helps the community absorb and recover from events.
The county's disaster history tells the same story: Chariton County has received 28 federal disaster declarations since 1973, including 17 for severe storm events and 4 for flood events. The most recent was Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding (severe storm), declared in June 2026.
Among 115 Missouri counties, Chariton County ranks #85 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Drought | Medium | 12.85 / yr | $549K |
| Landslide | Low | 0.21 / yr | $4K |
| Heat Wave | Low | 10.32 / yr | $588K |
| Hail | Low | 4.15 / yr | $241K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.34 / yr | $1M |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $38K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 3.82 / yr | $5M |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $151K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 10.53 / yr | $39K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 2.84 / yr | $554K |
| Lightning | Low | 48.26 / yr | $131K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.64 / yr | $27K |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $6K |
| Strong Wind | Very Low | 3.24 / yr | $118K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Chariton County has received 28 federal disaster declarations since 1973, most recently Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding in June 2026. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (17), Flood (4), Severe Ice Storm (3).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| June 2026 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| September 2021 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| July 2019 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| May 2019 | Flood | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding |
| August 2015 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding |
| July 2013 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| June 2011 | Flood | Flooding |
| March 2011 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm |
Showing the 10 most recent of 28 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Chariton County?
Chariton County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 29.4 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 29th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Chariton County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Drought (Medium, $549K EAL), Landslide (Low, $4K EAL), Heat Wave (Low, $588K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Chariton County compare to other Missouri counties?
Chariton County ranks #85 of 115 Missouri counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Chariton County had?
FEMA records 28 federal disaster declarations for Chariton County since 1973, most often 17 for severe storm events and 4 for flood events. The most recent was Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding, declared in June 2026.
What does Expected Annual Loss (EAL) mean?
EAL is FEMA's estimate of average annual dollar losses from natural hazards, calculated from historical event data and exposure models. Chariton County's $8M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.