Fayette County, Ohio Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · OH
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 26th
Fayette County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 25.9, 26th national percentile), driven primarily by ice storm and drought exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $10M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Overall natural disaster risk in Fayette County is very low, with a National Risk Index score of 25.9 out of 100 — placing it in the 26th 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 Fayette County's expected losses come from ice storm (freezing rain that coats surfaces in heavy, damaging ice) at Medium risk — $198K in expected annual loss and about 1.10 events per year; drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Medium risk — $451K in expected annual loss and about 3.12 events per year; and earthquake (ground shaking from sudden movement along geologic faults) at Very Low risk — $449K in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $10M in expected annual loss for a population of 29K.
Beyond physical exposure, Fayette County has a low social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a medium 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 federal record bears this out: Fayette County has received 11 federal disaster declarations since 1968, including 4 for severe storm events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic (biological), declared in March 2020.
Among 88 Ohio counties, Fayette County ranks #77 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Ice Storm | Medium | 1.10 / yr | $198K |
| Drought | Medium | 3.12 / yr | $451K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $449K |
| Hail | Low | 3.36 / yr | $280K |
| Heat Wave | Low | 4.53 / yr | $341K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.26 / yr | $1M |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 1.18 / yr | $6M |
| Lightning | Low | 46.81 / yr | $190K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.07 / yr | $515 |
| Strong Wind | Low | 2.07 / yr | $367K |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $20K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 12.11 / yr | $37K |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 3.47 / yr | $285K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $2K |
| 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
Fayette County has received 11 federal disaster declarations since 1968, most recently Covid-19 Pandemic in March 2020. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (4), Biological (2), Snowstorm (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| June 2012 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| February 2005 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storms, Flooding, and Mudslides |
| September 2004 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| March 2003 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storm and Record/Near Record Snow |
| January 1978 | Snowstorm | Blizzards & Snowstorms |
| February 1977 | Snowstorm | Snowstorms |
| April 1974 | Tornado | Tornadoes |
Showing the 10 most recent of 11 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Fayette County?
Fayette County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 25.9 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 26th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Fayette County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Ice Storm (Medium, $198K EAL), Drought (Medium, $451K EAL), Earthquake (Very Low, $449K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Fayette County compare to other Ohio counties?
Fayette County ranks #77 of 88 Ohio counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Fayette County had?
FEMA records 11 federal disaster declarations for Fayette County since 1968, most often 4 for severe storm events and 2 for biological 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. Fayette County's $10M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.