Natural Disaster Risk in Phelps County

Natural Hazard Profile: Phelps County, Missouri

Phelps County is located in the United States in Missouri, home to roughly 44,560 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, Phelps County carries an overall risk score of 6.3/10, placing it in the high category. Heat wave risk stands out as the primary natural hazard here, with above-average summer temperatures amplified by urban heat island effects in developed areas. The area also faces notable exposure to ice storm and earthquake.

Phelps County'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 Phelps County, the highest-scoring are heat, ice storm, and earthquake. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

Phelps 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.