Linn County, Missouri Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · MO
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 31th
Linn County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 31.2, 31th national percentile), driven primarily by drought and tornado exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $8M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Linn County carries a very low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 31.2 out of 100 — placing it in the 31st 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.
Most of Linn County's expected losses come from drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Medium risk — $488K in expected annual loss and about 11.77 events per year; tornado (violently rotating columns of air capable of catastrophic local damage) at Medium risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 0.26 events per year; and heat wave (prolonged periods of extreme heat that threaten health and infrastructure) at Low risk — $590K in expected annual loss and about 9.42 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $8M in expected annual loss for a population of 12K.
Beyond physical exposure, Linn County has a high social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a very high community resilience rating (its capacity to prepare for and recover from disasters). Higher vulnerability is partly offset by strong community resilience and recovery capacity.
The federal record bears this out: Linn County has received 22 federal disaster declarations since 1976, including 13 for severe storm events and 4 for severe ice storm events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic (biological), declared in March 2020.
Among 115 Missouri counties, Linn County ranks #81 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Drought | Medium | 11.77 / yr | $488K |
| Tornado | Medium | 0.26 / yr | $2M |
| Heat Wave | Low | 9.42 / yr | $590K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.23 / yr | $2K |
| Lightning | Low | 48.71 / yr | $195K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $41K |
| Hail | Low | 3.67 / yr | $214K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 4.11 / yr | $691K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $133K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 0.57 / yr | $4M |
| Strong Wind | Low | 2.95 / yr | $236K |
| Winter Weather | Very Low | 11.16 / yr | $16K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.36 / yr | $14K |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $3K |
| 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
Linn County has received 22 federal disaster declarations since 1976, most recently Covid-19 Pandemic in March 2020. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (13), Severe Ice Storm (4), Biological (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| July 2019 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| August 2015 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding |
| October 2014 | 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 |
| November 2008 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Flooding, and a Tornado |
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 Linn County?
Linn County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 31.2 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 31th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Linn County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Drought (Medium, $488K EAL), Tornado (Medium, $2M EAL), Heat Wave (Low, $590K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Linn County compare to other Missouri counties?
Linn County ranks #81 of 115 Missouri counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Linn County had?
FEMA records 22 federal disaster declarations for Linn County since 1976, most often 13 for severe storm events and 4 for severe ice storm events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic, declared in March 2020.
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. Linn County's $8M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.