Lawrence County, Ohio Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · OH
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 71th
Lawrence County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 71.0, 71th national percentile), driven primarily by heat wave and landslide exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $27M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Lawrence County carries a low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 71.0 out of 100 — placing it in the 71st 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.
Risk here concentrates in heat wave (prolonged periods of extreme heat that threaten health and infrastructure) at Medium risk — $3M in expected annual loss and about 4.58 events per year; landslide (downhill movement of rock, soil, and debris on unstable slopes) at Medium risk — $38K in expected annual loss and about 1.16 events per year; and riverine flood (rivers and streams overflowing their banks after heavy rain or snowmelt) at Medium risk — $22M in expected annual loss and about 2.79 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $27M in expected annual loss for a population of 58K.
Beyond physical exposure, Lawrence 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.
History supports the rating: Lawrence County has received 16 federal disaster declarations since 1978, including 8 for severe storm events and 4 for flood events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic (biological), declared in March 2020.
Among 88 Ohio counties, Lawrence County ranks #22 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Heat Wave | Medium | 4.58 / yr | $3M |
| Landslide | Medium | 1.16 / yr | $38K |
| Riverine Flood | Medium | 2.79 / yr | $22M |
| Ice Storm | Medium | 0.53 / yr | $207K |
| Lightning | Medium | 47.82 / yr | $317K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 8.53 / yr | $76K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $52K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $238K |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.02 / yr | $58K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.11 / yr | $1M |
| Strong Wind | Low | 1.68 / yr | $380K |
| Hail | Very Low | 3.04 / yr | $122K |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 0.89 / yr | $203K |
| Drought | Very Low | 1.38 / 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
Lawrence County has received 16 federal disaster declarations since 1978, most recently Covid-19 Pandemic in March 2020. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (8), Flood (4), 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 |
| September 2004 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| March 2003 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storm and Record/Near Record Snow |
Showing the 10 most recent of 16 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Lawrence County?
Lawrence County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 71.0 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 71th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Lawrence County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Heat Wave (Medium, $3M EAL), Landslide (Medium, $38K EAL), Riverine Flood (Medium, $22M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Lawrence County compare to other Ohio counties?
Lawrence County ranks #22 of 88 Ohio counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Lawrence County had?
FEMA records 16 federal disaster declarations for Lawrence County since 1978, most often 8 for severe storm events and 4 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. Lawrence County's $27M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.