Natural Disaster Risk in Paulding County

Natural Hazard Profile: Paulding County, Ohio

Paulding County is located in the United States in Ohio, home to roughly 18,790 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, Paulding County carries an overall risk score of 4.3/10, placing it in the moderate category. Hail is the primary natural disaster concern, with severe storms delivering baseball-sized or larger hailstones that cause significant insured losses each year. The area also faces notable exposure to earthquake and tornado.

Paulding County's risk score, slightly below the 5.8/10 state average and near the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Paulding County, the highest-scoring are hail, earthquake, and tornado. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

With a moderate risk rating, Paulding 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 hail is recommended.