Saline County, Missouri Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · MO
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 52th
Saline County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 51.6, 52th national percentile), driven primarily by drought and heat wave exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $16M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Overall natural disaster risk in Saline County is low, with a National Risk Index score of 51.6 out of 100 — placing it in the 52nd 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.
The county's risk is driven primarily by drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Medium risk — $994K in expected annual loss and about 15.46 events per year; heat wave (prolonged periods of extreme heat that threaten health and infrastructure) at Medium risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 12.11 events per year; and cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at Medium risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 2.32 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $16M in expected annual loss for a population of 23K.
Beyond physical exposure, Saline 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.
History supports the rating: Saline County has received 26 federal disaster declarations since 1965, including 13 for severe storm events and 6 for flood events. The most recent was Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding (severe storm), declared in June 2026.
Among 115 Missouri counties, Saline County ranks #60 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Drought | Medium | 15.46 / yr | $994K |
| Heat Wave | Medium | 12.11 / yr | $1M |
| Cold Wave | Medium | 2.32 / yr | $2M |
| Landslide | Low | 0.21 / yr | $3K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.36 / yr | $2M |
| Earthquake | Low | 0.00 / yr | $422K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 4.57 / yr | $8M |
| Strong Wind | Low | 3.86 / yr | $452K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.74 / yr | $61K |
| Hail | Low | 5.22 / yr | $189K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $13K |
| Lightning | Low | 48.79 / yr | $98K |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $9K |
| Winter Weather | Very Low | 10.37 / yr | $9K |
| 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
Saline County has received 26 federal disaster declarations since 1965, most recently Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding in June 2026. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (13), Flood (6), 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 |
| August 2015 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding |
| August 2011 | Flood | Flooding |
| June 2011 | Flood | Flooding |
| March 2011 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm |
| February 2011 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
Showing the 10 most recent of 26 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Saline County?
Saline County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 51.6 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 52th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Saline County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Drought (Medium, $994K EAL), Heat Wave (Medium, $1M EAL), Cold Wave (Medium, $2M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Saline County compare to other Missouri counties?
Saline County ranks #60 of 115 Missouri counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Saline County had?
FEMA records 26 federal disaster declarations for Saline County since 1965, most often 13 for severe storm events and 6 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. Saline County's $16M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.