Clinton County, Ohio Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · OH
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 34th
Clinton County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 34.0, 34th national percentile), driven primarily by ice storm and drought exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $12M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Clinton County carries a very low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 34.0 out of 100 — placing it in the 34th 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.
The county's risk is driven primarily by ice storm (freezing rain that coats surfaces in heavy, damaging ice) at Medium risk — $251K in expected annual loss and about 1.19 events per year; drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Medium risk — $476K in expected annual loss and about 2.16 events per year; and earthquake (ground shaking from sudden movement along geologic faults) at Low risk — $661K in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $12M in expected annual loss for a population of 42K.
Beyond physical exposure, Clinton County has a low 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). A less vulnerable population paired with strong resilience helps the community absorb and recover from events.
History supports the rating: Clinton County has received 10 federal disaster declarations since 1968, including 3 for severe storm events and 3 for snowstorm events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic (biological), declared in March 2020.
Among 88 Ohio counties, Clinton County ranks #68 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Ice Storm | Medium | 1.19 / yr | $251K |
| Drought | Medium | 2.16 / yr | $476K |
| Earthquake | Low | 0.00 / yr | $661K |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 2.06 / yr | $832K |
| Heat Wave | Low | 5.32 / yr | $607K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.26 / yr | $2M |
| Lightning | Low | 47.96 / yr | $259K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.08 / yr | $1K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 11.79 / yr | $62K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 1.68 / yr | $6M |
| Cold Wave | Low | 3.42 / yr | $656K |
| Hail | Low | 3.38 / yr | $168K |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $23K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / 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
Clinton County has received 10 federal disaster declarations since 1968, most recently Covid-19 Pandemic in March 2020. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (3), Snowstorm (3), Biological (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| June 2012 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms |
| October 2008 | Severe Storm | Severe Wind Storm Associated with Tropical Depression Ike |
| April 2008 | Snowstorm | Record Snow and Near Record Snow |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| September 2004 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| January 1978 | Snowstorm | Blizzards & Snowstorms |
| February 1977 | Snowstorm | Snowstorms |
| June 1968 | Flood | Heavy Rains & Flooding |
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 34.0 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 34th 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 Ice Storm (Medium, $251K EAL), Drought (Medium, $476K EAL), Earthquake (Low, $661K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Clinton County compare to other Ohio counties?
Clinton County ranks #68 of 88 Ohio counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Clinton County had?
FEMA records 10 federal disaster declarations for Clinton County since 1968, most often 3 for severe storm events and 3 for snowstorm 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. Clinton County's $12M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.