Scioto County, Ohio Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · OH
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 70th
Scioto County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 70.2, 70th 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
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Scioto County at low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 70.2 out of 100 — placing it in the 70th 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.
Most of Scioto County's expected losses come from heat wave (prolonged periods of extreme heat that threaten health and infrastructure) at Medium risk — $3M in expected annual loss and about 5.68 events per year; landslide (downhill movement of rock, soil, and debris on unstable slopes) at Low risk — $31K in expected annual loss and about 1.20 events per year; and riverine flood (rivers and streams overflowing their banks after heavy rain or snowmelt) at Medium risk — $20M in expected annual loss and about 3.50 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $27M in expected annual loss for a population of 74K.
Beyond physical exposure, Scioto County has a medium 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: Scioto County has received 18 federal disaster declarations since 1968, including 8 for severe storm events and 5 for flood events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic (biological), declared in March 2020.
Among 88 Ohio counties, Scioto County ranks #24 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Heat Wave | Medium | 5.68 / yr | $3M |
| Landslide | Low | 1.20 / yr | $31K |
| Riverine Flood | Medium | 3.50 / yr | $20M |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 1.67 / yr | $1M |
| Winter Weather | Medium | 11.21 / yr | $131K |
| Lightning | Medium | 46.94 / yr | $481K |
| Ice Storm | Medium | 0.52 / yr | $193K |
| Earthquake | Low | 0.00 / yr | $487K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.23 / yr | $975K |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $37K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $17K |
| Hail | Very Low | 2.92 / yr | $108K |
| Drought | Very Low | 1.70 / yr | $19K |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 1.37 / yr | $248K |
| 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
Scioto County has received 18 federal disaster declarations since 1968, most recently Covid-19 Pandemic in March 2020. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (8), Flood (5), 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 |
| March 2003 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storm and Record/Near Record Snow |
Showing the 10 most recent of 18 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Scioto County?
Scioto County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 70.2 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 70th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Scioto County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Heat Wave (Medium, $3M EAL), Landslide (Low, $31K EAL), Riverine Flood (Medium, $20M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Scioto County compare to other Ohio counties?
Scioto County ranks #24 of 88 Ohio counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Scioto County had?
FEMA records 18 federal disaster declarations for Scioto County since 1968, most often 8 for severe storm events and 5 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. Scioto County's $27M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.