Fulton County, Ohio Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · OH
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 34th
Fulton County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 33.6, 34th national percentile), driven primarily by drought and tornado exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $12M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Fulton County carries a very low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 33.6 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.
Most of Fulton County's expected losses come from drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Medium risk — $826K in expected annual loss and about 1.36 events per year; tornado (violently rotating columns of air capable of catastrophic local damage) at Medium risk — $3M in expected annual loss and about 0.20 events per year; and hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Low risk — $521K in expected annual loss and about 3.32 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $12M in expected annual loss for a population of 43K.
Beyond physical exposure, Fulton 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.
The federal record bears this out: Fulton County has received 9 federal disaster declarations since 1969, including 3 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, Fulton County ranks #70 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Drought | Medium | 1.36 / yr | $826K |
| Tornado | Medium | 0.20 / yr | $3M |
| Hail | Low | 3.32 / yr | $521K |
| Ice Storm | Medium | 1.45 / yr | $169K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $487K |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 4.80 / yr | $710K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 10.05 / yr | $60K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 0.39 / yr | $6M |
| Cold Wave | Low | 3.26 / yr | $770K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 4.00 / yr | $207K |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $15K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.06 / yr | $235 |
| Lightning | Very Low | 38.46 / yr | $82K |
| 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
Fulton County has received 9 federal disaster declarations since 1969, most recently Covid-19 Pandemic in March 2020. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (3), Biological (2), Hurricane (1).
| 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 |
| September 2004 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| August 1992 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes & Flooding |
| March 1982 | Flood | Severe Storms & Flooding |
| January 1978 | Snowstorm | Blizzards & Snowstorms |
| July 1969 | Tornado | Tornadoes, Severe Storms & Flooding |
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Fulton County?
Fulton County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 33.6 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 Fulton County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Drought (Medium, $826K EAL), Tornado (Medium, $3M EAL), Hail (Low, $521K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Fulton County compare to other Ohio counties?
Fulton County ranks #70 of 88 Ohio counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Fulton County had?
FEMA records 9 federal disaster declarations for Fulton County since 1969, most often 3 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. Fulton County's $12M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.