Lawrence County

Ohio — Natural Disaster Risk Assessment

Low

Composite Risk Score

71.0

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

Expected Annual Loss $27M Annualized county-level EAL
Social Vulnerability Medium Population sensitivity
Community Resilience Low Capacity to recover
Population 58K Latest estimate

Top Hazards

Heat Wave
Medium $3M/yr
Landslide
Medium $38K/yr
Riverine Flood
Medium $22M/yr

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

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.

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.