Jefferson County, Ohio Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · OH
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 67th
Jefferson County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 66.7, 67th national percentile), driven primarily by landslide and riverine flood exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $22M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Jefferson County carries a low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 66.7 out of 100 — placing it in the 67th 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.
The county's risk is driven primarily by landslide (downhill movement of rock, soil, and debris on unstable slopes) at Low risk — $19K in expected annual loss and about 0.90 events per year; riverine flood (rivers and streams overflowing their banks after heavy rain or snowmelt) at Medium risk — $18M in expected annual loss and about 1.39 events per year; and hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Medium risk — $597K in expected annual loss and about 3.84 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $22M in expected annual loss for a population of 65K.
Beyond physical exposure, Jefferson 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 federal record bears this out: Jefferson County has received 22 federal disaster declarations since 1972, including 9 for severe storm events and 7 for flood events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic (biological), declared in March 2020.
Among 88 Ohio counties, Jefferson County ranks #29 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Landslide | Low | 0.90 / yr | $19K |
| Riverine Flood | Medium | 1.39 / yr | $18M |
| Hail | Medium | 3.84 / yr | $597K |
| Lightning | Medium | 42.04 / yr | $505K |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 2.30 / yr | $759K |
| Ice Storm | Medium | 0.45 / yr | $146K |
| Hurricane | Low | 0.02 / yr | $178K |
| Heat Wave | Low | 1.84 / yr | $347K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.16 / yr | $1M |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $198K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 10.05 / yr | $41K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $23K |
| Drought | Low | 3.43 / yr | $27K |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 2.84 / yr | $45K |
| 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
Jefferson County has received 22 federal disaster declarations since 1972, most recently Covid-19 Pandemic in March 2020. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (9), Flood (7), 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 |
| 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 |
| June 2004 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
Showing the 10 most recent of 22 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Jefferson County?
Jefferson County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 66.7 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 67th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Jefferson County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Landslide (Low, $19K EAL), Riverine Flood (Medium, $18M EAL), Hail (Medium, $597K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Jefferson County compare to other Ohio counties?
Jefferson County ranks #29 of 88 Ohio counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Jefferson County had?
FEMA records 22 federal disaster declarations for Jefferson County since 1972, most often 9 for severe storm events and 7 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. Jefferson County's $22M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.