Natural Disaster Risk in Worth County

Natural Hazard Profile: Worth County, Missouri

Worth County is located in the United States in Missouri, home to roughly 1,973 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, Worth County carries an overall risk score of 4.1/10, placing it in the moderate 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 drought and landslide.

Worth County's risk score, considerably below the 5.9/10 state average and near the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Worth County, the highest-scoring are heat, drought, and landslide. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

With a moderate risk rating, Worth County 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 heat is recommended.