Worth County, Missouri Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · MO
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 8th
Worth County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 8.2, 8th national percentile), driven primarily by heat wave and drought exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $4M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Worth County at very low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 8.2 out of 100 — placing it in the 8th 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 Worth County's expected losses come from heat wave (prolonged periods of extreme heat that threaten health and infrastructure) at Medium risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 9.11 events per year; drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Medium risk — $498K in expected annual loss and about 18.29 events per year; and landslide (downhill movement of rock, soil, and debris on unstable slopes) at Very Low risk — $3K in expected annual loss and about 0.17 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $4M in expected annual loss for a population of 2K.
Beyond physical exposure, Worth 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: Worth County has received 20 federal disaster declarations since 1973, including 10 for severe storm events and 3 for severe ice storm events. The most recent was Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding (severe storm), declared in September 2023.
Among 115 Missouri counties, Worth County ranks #114 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Heat Wave | Medium | 9.11 / yr | $2M |
| Drought | Medium | 18.29 / yr | $498K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.17 / yr | $3K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $18K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.18 / yr | $315K |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 4.74 / yr | $286K |
| Hail | Very Low | 5.31 / yr | $81K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.48 / yr | $5K |
| Strong Wind | Very Low | 3.75 / yr | $66K |
| Winter Weather | Very Low | 11.37 / yr | $6K |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $528 |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $5K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 46.08 / yr | $16K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.07 / yr | $655K |
| 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
Worth County has received 20 federal disaster declarations since 1973, most recently Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding in September 2023. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (10), Severe Ice Storm (3), Flood (3).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| September 2023 | 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 |
| 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 |
| June 2008 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
Showing the 10 most recent of 20 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Worth County?
Worth County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 8.2 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 8th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Worth County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Heat Wave (Medium, $2M EAL), Drought (Medium, $498K EAL), Landslide (Very Low, $3K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Worth County compare to other Missouri counties?
Worth County ranks #114 of 115 Missouri counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Worth County had?
FEMA records 20 federal disaster declarations for Worth County since 1973, most often 10 for severe storm events and 3 for severe ice storm events. The most recent was Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding, declared in September 2023.
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. Worth County's $4M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.