Natural Disaster Risk in South Salem
Ohio
Risk Summary for South Salem
South Salem scores 6.4/10 (High risk), above the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Landslide.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Scores
How it compares
Live Conditions
🏠 What this means for insurance
Above-average risk — check your policy limits
Standard homeowners insurance may not fully cover all hazards rated highly in this area. Verify that your policy includes adequate coverage for the top local hazards, and ask your insurer about specific endorsements or separate policies (e.g., flood, earthquake).
This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.
Natural Hazard Profile: South Salem, Ohio
South Salem, in Ross County, is a small community of about 1,451 situated in the interior eastern United States. Its humid continental climate brings cold winters with lake-effect snow in the north and warm, humid summers, and in particular spring tornado risk and winter ice storms. These conditions collectively define the natural hazard environment that South Salem residents and property owners must navigate.
According to FEMA's National Risk Index, South Salem carries an overall risk score of 6.4/10, placing it in the high category. Landslide and debris flow risk tops the local hazard profile, with steep terrain and periodic heavy rainfall creating conditions for rapid slope failure in vulnerable areas. The area also faces notable exposure to lightning and heat.
Within Ohio, South Salem's risk is, slightly above the 5.8/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of Ross County identifies landslide as the foremost hazard, followed by lightning and heat. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.
With a high natural disaster risk rating, South Salem residents benefit from taking preparedness seriously. Reviewing insurance coverage for landslide 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.
What this means for South Salem: Landslide preparedness
- Have an evacuation plan ready during periods of intense or prolonged rainfall.
- Watch for warning signs such as new cracks, tilting trees, or changes in water drainage on slopes.
- Standard insurance generally excludes landslide and earth-movement damage — ask about specialized coverage.
Local Factors for South Salem
These city-level factors differentiate South Salem from other communities in Ross County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
1,451
Small TownGeographic Zone
Inland
Reduced coastal hazard exposure
Climate Band
Moderate Continental
Latitude 39.3°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Moderate — seasonal fire risk
Fire score: 5.5/10
Coordinates
39.3055° N, 83.2481° W
Ross County
Population and coordinates from SimpleMaps US Cities data. Hazard scores from FEMA National Risk Index. Geographic classification derived from coordinates.
Recent Climate Data for South Salem
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in South Salem
Other cities in Ohio
Data source: FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Scores normalized to 1–10 across all US counties. City scores inherit county-level FEMA data. For informational purposes only.