Natural Disaster Risk in Highland County

Natural Hazard Profile: Highland County, Ohio

Highland County is located in the United States in Ohio, home to roughly 43,282 residents. The county experiences cold winters with lake-effect snow in the north and warm, humid summers, with spring tornado risk and winter ice storms 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, Highland County carries an overall risk score of 6.0/10, placing it in the high category. Prolonged drought is the primary hazard risk, shaped by low annual rainfall, high evaporation rates, and increasing temperature trends that deepen and lengthen dry periods. The area also faces notable exposure to landslide and ice storm.

Highland County's risk score, near the 5.8/10 state average and above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Highland County, the highest-scoring are drought, landslide, and ice storm. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

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