Clinton County, Missouri Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · MO
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 56th
Clinton County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 56.2, 56th national percentile), driven primarily by hail and tornado exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $22M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Clinton County carries a low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 56.2 out of 100 — placing it in the 56th national percentile and below the national average for natural-disaster risk. The score blends Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across all 18 FEMA hazard types.
Most of Clinton County's expected losses come from hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Medium risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 8.26 events per year; tornado (violently rotating columns of air capable of catastrophic local damage) at Medium risk — $3M in expected annual loss and about 0.28 events per year; and cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at Medium risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 3.42 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $22M in expected annual loss for a population of 21K.
Beyond physical exposure, Clinton County has a very low 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 federal record bears this out: Clinton County has received 22 federal disaster declarations since 1965, including 9 for severe storm events and 5 for flood events. The most recent was Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding (severe storm), declared in September 2021.
Among 115 Missouri counties, Clinton County ranks #48 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Hail | Medium | 8.26 / yr | $1M |
| Tornado | Medium | 0.28 / yr | $3M |
| Cold Wave | Medium | 3.42 / yr | $2M |
| Drought | Medium | 17.63 / yr | $547K |
| Wildfire | Low | 0.00 / yr | $154K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 0.68 / yr | $13M |
| Heat Wave | Low | 11.63 / yr | $768K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.11 / yr | $2K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 6.20 / yr | $643K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.78 / yr | $98K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $127K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 11.05 / yr | $41K |
| Lightning | Low | 48.05 / yr | $114K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Clinton County has received 22 federal disaster declarations since 1965, most recently Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding in September 2021. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (9), Flood (5), Severe Ice Storm (4).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| September 2021 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| August 2015 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding |
| March 2011 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm |
| February 2011 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| August 2010 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes |
| January 2009 | Severe Ice Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| December 2007 | Severe Ice Storm | Severe Winter Storms |
| December 2007 | Severe Ice Storm | Severe Winter Storms |
Showing the 10 most recent of 22 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Clinton County?
Clinton County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 56.2 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 56th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Clinton County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Hail (Medium, $1M EAL), Tornado (Medium, $3M EAL), Cold Wave (Medium, $2M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Clinton County compare to other Missouri counties?
Clinton County ranks #48 of 115 Missouri counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Clinton County had?
FEMA records 22 federal disaster declarations for Clinton County since 1965, most often 9 for severe storm events and 5 for flood events. The most recent was Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding, declared in September 2021.
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. Clinton County's $22M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.