Natural Disaster Risk in Barry County

Natural Hazard Profile: Barry County, Missouri

Barry County is located in the United States in Missouri, home to roughly 34,451 residents. The county experiences hot summers, cold winters, and collision of multiple air masses, with year-round severe weather including tornadoes, ice storms, and floods shaping the natural hazards faced by its communities. FEMA assesses risk at this county level, providing the baseline for every city and ZIP code within its boundaries.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Barry County carries an overall risk score of 7.2/10, placing it in the high category. The area faces significant ice storm exposure, where the thermal profile of the atmosphere during winter storms frequently delivers freezing rain rather than snow. The area also faces notable exposure to wind and tornado.

Barry County's risk score, slightly above the 5.9/10 state average and well above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Barry County, the highest-scoring are ice storm, wind, and tornado. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

Barry County's high risk designation reflects meaningful exposure to natural hazards. Residents should verify that their insurance covers the area's primary risks, prepare a family emergency plan, and stay informed about seasonal hazard peaks through local weather and emergency management services.