Marion, Ohio: natural disaster risk
How exposed Marion is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Marion County.
Marion is a city of 35,669 people in Marion County, Ohio. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Marion County relatively low for natural hazards overall, lower than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, cold wave and tornado, with about $19.7 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 355 storm reports in the county since 1957, including 17 tornadoes and 32 floods. About 0.7% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Marion County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Marion
Full Marion County report ›- Check the FEMA flood map for your address, and ask the seller or landlord about past flooding.
- Price a flood policy now. Most new federal policies take 30 days to start.
- Insulate pipes in outside walls, crawl spaces and garages.
- Know how to shut off the main water valve.
- Pick a shelter spot: a basement, or an inside room on the lowest floor with no windows.
- Turn on emergency alerts on your phone and keep a weather radio.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $10M | |
| Cold wave | $5M | |
| Tornado | $2M | |
| Strong wind | $1M | |
| Hail | $855K | |
| Earthquake | $669K | |
| Lightning | $272K | |
| Ice storm | $259K | |
| Heat wave | $208K | |
| Winter weather | $158K | |
| Hurricane | $40K | |
| Wildfire | $1K |
Homes in Marion
Older homes and mobile homes usually take more damage in storms, floods and earthquakes. Ask about roof age, flood history and retrofits before you buy or rent.
Strongest tornadoes in Marion County
Common questions about Marion
Is Marion safe from natural disasters?
Marion is in Marion County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively low overall, lower than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, cold wave, tornado. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Marion?
By expected yearly losses in Marion County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Low), cold wave (Moderate), tornado (Low). Marion County has been part of 10 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Marion get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 17 tornadoes in Marion County since 1950; the strongest was an F2 tornado on May 6, 1971. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county low.
Do I need flood insurance in Marion?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Marion County, about 0.7% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk low. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.