Adams County, Ohio Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · OH
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 44th
Adams County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 43.8, 44th national percentile), driven primarily by riverine flood and heat wave exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $13M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Adams County at low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 43.8 out of 100 — placing it in the 44th 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 Adams County's expected losses come from riverine flood (rivers and streams overflowing their banks after heavy rain or snowmelt) at Low risk — $10M in expected annual loss and about 2.96 events per year; heat wave (prolonged periods of extreme heat that threaten health and infrastructure) at Low risk — $650K in expected annual loss and about 5.79 events per year; and wildfire (uncontrolled fires that spread across wildland and into communities) at Very Low risk — $96K in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $13M in expected annual loss for a population of 27K.
Beyond physical exposure, Adams County has a medium social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a low community resilience rating (its capacity to prepare for and recover from disasters). Both measures sit toward the lower end, indicating relatively modest population sensitivity.
The county's disaster history tells the same story: Adams County has received 19 federal disaster declarations since 1968, including 8 for severe storm events and 5 for flood events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic (biological), declared in March 2020.
Among 88 Ohio counties, Adams County ranks #59 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Riverine Flood | Low | 2.96 / yr | $10M |
| Heat Wave | Low | 5.79 / yr | $650K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $96K |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 2.41 / yr | $604K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.71 / yr | $90K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.81 / yr | $1K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $246K |
| Lightning | Low | 48.54 / yr | $204K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 11.05 / yr | $55K |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $31K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.27 / yr | $832K |
| Drought | Low | 2.38 / yr | $60K |
| Hail | Very Low | 3.07 / yr | $78K |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 1.37 / yr | $216K |
| 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
Adams County has received 19 federal disaster declarations since 1968, most recently Covid-19 Pandemic in March 2020. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (8), Flood (5), Biological (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| April 2019 | Flood | Severe Storms, Flooding, and Landslides |
| April 2018 | Flood | Severe Storms, Landslides, and Mudslides |
| August 2012 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Straight-Line Winds |
| June 2012 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms |
| July 2011 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| February 2005 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storms, Flooding, and Mudslides |
| September 2004 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
Showing the 10 most recent of 19 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Adams County?
Adams County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 43.8 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 44th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Adams County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Riverine Flood (Low, $10M EAL), Heat Wave (Low, $650K EAL), Wildfire (Very Low, $96K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Adams County compare to other Ohio counties?
Adams County ranks #59 of 88 Ohio counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Adams County had?
FEMA records 19 federal disaster declarations for Adams County since 1968, most often 8 for severe storm events and 5 for flood 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. Adams County's $13M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.