Williams County, Ohio Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · OH
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 44th
Williams County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 44.4, 44th national percentile), driven primarily by strong wind 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
Williams County carries a low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 44.4 out of 100 — placing it in the 44th 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 strong wind (damaging straight-line winds outside of tornadoes and hurricanes) at Medium risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 5.13 events per year; tornado (violently rotating columns of air capable of catastrophic local damage) at Medium risk — $3M in expected annual loss and about 0.21 events per year; and hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Medium risk — $585K in expected annual loss and about 3.34 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $12M in expected annual loss for a population of 37K.
Beyond physical exposure, Williams 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 county's disaster history tells the same story: Williams County has received 8 federal disaster declarations since 1978, including 2 for biological events and 2 for severe storm events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic (biological), declared in March 2020.
Among 88 Ohio counties, Williams County ranks #58 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Strong Wind | Medium | 5.13 / yr | $1M |
| Tornado | Medium | 0.21 / yr | $3M |
| Hail | Medium | 3.34 / yr | $585K |
| Earthquake | Low | 0.00 / yr | $480K |
| Ice Storm | Medium | 1.56 / yr | $135K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 0.21 / yr | $6M |
| Cold Wave | Low | 3.26 / yr | $761K |
| Drought | Low | 0.97 / yr | $90K |
| Lightning | Low | 38.34 / yr | $171K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.08 / yr | $652 |
| Winter Weather | Low | 10.63 / yr | $38K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 4.00 / yr | $148K |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $15K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $4K |
| 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
Williams County has received 8 federal disaster declarations since 1978, most recently Covid-19 Pandemic in March 2020. Most frequent causes: Biological (2), Severe Storm (2), Flood (2).
| 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 |
| June 1996 | Flood | Flooding |
| March 1982 | Flood | Severe Storms & Flooding |
| January 1978 | Snowstorm | Blizzards & Snowstorms |
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Williams County?
Williams County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 44.4 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 44th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Williams County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Strong Wind (Medium, $1M EAL), Tornado (Medium, $3M EAL), Hail (Medium, $585K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Williams County compare to other Ohio counties?
Williams County ranks #58 of 88 Ohio counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Williams County had?
FEMA records 8 federal disaster declarations for Williams County since 1978, most often 2 for biological events and 2 for severe storm 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. Williams County's $12M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.