Natural Disaster Risk in St. Francois County

Natural Hazard Profile: St. Francois County, Missouri

St. Francois County, in the United States in Missouri, is characterized by its humid continental climate — hot summers, cold winters, and collision of multiple air masses. The county faces year-round severe weather including tornadoes, ice storms, and floods, and its FEMA risk assessment establishes the hazard baseline shared by all the towns and cities it contains.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, St. Francois County carries an overall risk score of 6.9/10, placing it in the high category. Extreme heat is the top natural hazard concern, with summer temperatures regularly reaching dangerous thresholds that pose serious health risks, particularly for elderly and outdoor workers. The area also faces notable exposure to wind and earthquake.

Within Missouri, St. Francois County's risk is, slightly above the 5.9/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks well above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of St. Francois County identifies heat as the foremost hazard, followed by wind and earthquake. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.

With a high natural disaster risk rating, St. Francois County residents benefit from taking preparedness seriously. Reviewing insurance coverage for heat 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.