Natural Disaster Risk in Benton

Natural Hazard Profile: Benton, Missouri

Located in the interior eastern United States in Scott County, Benton is a town of roughly 3,755 residents. The humid continental climate that characterizes this part of Missouri — marked by hot summers, cold winters, and collision of multiple air masses — directly influences the types and severity of natural hazards present, making Benton a community where hazard awareness has real practical value.

FEMA rates Benton's composite natural disaster risk at 6.8 out of 10 — high risk. Seismic activity is the dominant hazard, with the community situated in or near an active tectonic zone capable of producing damaging ground shaking. Residents should also account for ice storm and tornado risk in their preparedness planning.

Relative to other U.S. communities, Benton's natural disaster risk is well above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10, slightly above the 5.9/10 state average. The hazard distribution here is led by earthquake and ice storm, as measured by FEMA across Scott County. While city-specific sub-county variation exists, these scores represent the best available federal risk estimate.

With a high natural disaster risk rating, Benton residents benefit from taking preparedness seriously. Reviewing insurance coverage for earthquake and secondary hazards, registering for emergency alerts, and maintaining a household emergency kit are practical steps that can significantly reduce impact during a major event.