Natural Disaster Risk in Charleston
Missouri
Risk Summary for Charleston
Charleston scores 5.7/10 (Moderate risk), above the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Earthquake.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Scores
How it compares
Live Conditions
🏠 What this means for insurance
Average risk — standard coverage usually sufficient
This area carries average natural disaster risk. A standard homeowners or renters policy should cover common events, but review the exclusions for floods and earthquakes, which are almost never included by default.
This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.
Natural Hazard Profile: Charleston, Missouri
Charleston is a town of roughly 5,169 residents in Mississippi County, in the interior eastern United States. The area experiences hot summers, cold winters, and collision of multiple air masses, with year-round severe weather including tornadoes, ice storms, and floods shaping the pattern of natural hazards that residents encounter. Understanding the local risk profile is essential for anyone living in, moving to, or owning property in Charleston.
FEMA rates Charleston's composite natural disaster risk at 5.7 out of 10 — moderate risk. The area's position within a seismically active region makes earthquake preparedness a top priority for residents and property owners alike. Residents should also account for ice storm and drought risk in their preparedness planning.
Charleston's risk score, near the 5.9/10 state average and above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Mississippi County, the highest-scoring are earthquake, ice storm, and drought. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.
With a moderate risk rating, Charleston residents are well-served by maintaining standard preparedness practices — an emergency supply kit, awareness of local hazard seasonality, and insurance that covers the top local risks. Periodic review of coverage for earthquake is recommended.
What this means for Charleston: Earthquake preparedness
- Standard homeowners insurance excludes earthquake damage — a separate earthquake policy or endorsement is needed.
- Secure heavy furniture, water heaters, and shelving to wall studs to reduce injury and damage during shaking.
- Identify "drop, cover, and hold on" spots in each room and keep an emergency kit with water for at least 72 hours.
Local Factors for Charleston
These city-level factors differentiate Charleston from other communities in Mississippi County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
5,169
Small TownGeographic Zone
Inland
Reduced coastal hazard exposure
Climate Band
Mild Temperate
Latitude 36.9°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Lower — moist climate limits wildfire frequency
Fire score: 1.4/10
Coordinates
36.9199° N, 89.2789° W
Mississippi County
Population and coordinates from SimpleMaps US Cities data. Hazard scores from FEMA National Risk Index. Geographic classification derived from coordinates.
Recent Climate Data for Charleston
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in Charleston
Other cities in Missouri
Data source: FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Scores normalized to 1–10 across all US counties. City scores inherit county-level FEMA data. For informational purposes only.