Photo: Roseohioresident · CC BY-SA 4.0FEMA expects less hazard damage per building in East Canton than in 93% of U.S. towns, mostly from river and rain flooding
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, East Canton gets an A for hazard risk: lower expected damage per building than 93% of U.S. towns. Most of that expected damage is river and rain flooding (75%), then hail (11%). Flood insurance has paid 2 claims here since 2003.
Graded on FEMA’s expected yearly building damage per dollar of building value (NRI v1.20, December 2025), weighted by where residents live; flood claims are shown, not graded. How hazard risk is graded
What East Canton faces
Each hazard’s share of the building damage FEMA expects here, and how its rate compares with the rest of the country.
River and rain flooding
Hail
Tornadoes
Shares are of FEMA’s expected building damage, the measure the grade uses; ranks compare each hazard’s building-damage rate with all 85,154 U.S. census tracts. In FEMA’s terms, river and rain flooding is FEMA’s “Inland Flooding” (rivers and streams overflowing their banks, or rain overwhelming drainage). FEMA defines coastal flooding as high or rising tides and storm surge, so surge damage is counted there. Drought isn’t listed: FEMA counts its losses in crops only.
What’s behind East Canton’s grade
River and rain flooding is 75% of the building damage FEMA expects in East Canton, and East Canton’s rate of river and rain flooding damage is lower than 80% of U.S. census tracts. Next is hail at 11% (higher than 87% of U.S. census tracts).
A lower expected damage per building than 93% of U.S. towns (21,298).
All of East Canton’s residents live in one census tract; the figures are that tract’s.
In dollars, FEMA expects about $278K a year in losses across East Canton: $225K to buildings, the rest to people and crops.
Does East Canton flood? Rarely: 2 flood claims since 2003
Every paid claim on a federal flood insurance policy in East Canton, from FEMA’s records: 3.0 per 1,000 homes, fewer than 52% of the 13,809 U.S. towns with a flood insurance record.
East Canton isn’t in FEMA’s Community Rating System, which cuts flood insurance up to 45% in towns that do extra flood-proofing.
Insurance rates: Stark County.2 federal disasters brought FEMA money to East Canton
Disasters that paid out in East Canton itself (aid to households or repair grants to the Village of East Canton), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2004Severe Storms and Flooding5 households applied for aid$9K aid approved1 flood claim paid that year
- 2003Tornadoes, Flooding, Severe Storms, and High Winds9 households applied for aid$18K aid approved1 flood claim paid that year
Stark County has had 9 natural disasters declared by the President since 1953, most often severe storms, then winter storms. Not counted: the 2005 Hurricane Katrina evacuee emergency, which covered counties that took in evacuees.
Old photos of East Canton after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the East Canton archive →East Canton and its neighbors
East Canton has the lowest expected damage per building of the 3 graded towns here. Tap a town to see its hazards.
| Town | Hazard risk | Mostly (buildings) | Flood claims |
|---|---|---|---|
| East Canton | Aless damage than 93% | river and rain flooding | 2 |
| Osnaburg Township | A−less damage than 84% | river and rain flooding | 3 |
| Canton | A−less damage than 78% | river and rain flooding | 32 |
Hazard risk = FEMA’s expected yearly building damage per dollar of building value, vs. the 21,298 U.S. towns we grade; the map is shaded by fifths of the same scale. Flood claims = paid federal flood insurance claims on record.
Get ready for what East Canton faces
A short kit for the hazards that drive the building damage here, what to check before you buy, and where neighbors get alerts.
- Turn around at flooded roads: a foot of moving water can carry off a car.
- Flood insurance usually takes 30 days to start, so buy it before the forecast.
- Keep papers and medicines up high, in a grab-and-go bag.
- Park in a garage or under cover when storms are forecast.
- Stay away from windows while it falls.
- Photograph roof and car damage for your insurer.
- Pick your spot now: the lowest floor, an inside room, no windows.
- A watch means be ready; a warning means take cover now.
- Keep shoes and a flashlight by the bed.
- Look up the address on FEMA’s flood map.
- Ask the seller or landlord whether it has ever flooded, and what flood insurance costs there.
- Get a flood insurance quote early: policies usually start 30 days after you buy.
Know where neighbors sign up for alerts? Add it to the Handbook so everyone has it.
Questions about natural hazards in East Canton
Is East Canton at risk for natural disasters?
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, East Canton has lower expected damage per building than 93% of U.S. towns: A for hazard risk. Most of the expected damage is river and rain flooding (75%) and hail (11%). The figures are for the one census tract the town shares with its neighbors. This is FEMA’s model of an average year for today’s buildings, not a forecast.
Does East Canton flood?
Flood insurance has paid 2 claims in East Canton since 2003, $15K in all, or 3.0 per 1,000 homes, fewer than 52% of U.S. towns with a flood insurance record. 1 properties have flooded more than once.
Is East Canton in a flood zone?
Flood zones are drawn street by street, so the answer depends on the address: look it up on FEMA’s flood map. In Stark County, 26% of homes in mapped flood zones carry federal flood insurance, and 0.2% of all homes do.
How much is flood insurance in East Canton?
FEMA’s Community Rating System list shows no discount for East Canton’s flood program. Premiums depend on the building; policies usually start 30 days after you buy, so get a quote early.
What was the biggest storm in East Canton?
By FEMA money that reached East Canton, Tornadoes, Flooding, Severe Storms, and High Winds (2003): 9 households applied for aid, $18K approved.
Is East Canton at risk from river and rain flooding?
It is the largest share of the building damage FEMA expects here (75%), and East Canton’s rate for it is lower than 80% of U.S. census tracts.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in East Canton.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where East Canton’s residents lived in the 2020 census; OpenFEMA: NFIP redacted claims, multiple-loss properties, community status book and residential penetration rates, housing assistance (owners and renters), public assistance funded projects, hazard mitigation properties and disaster declarations. Homes: Census ACS 2020–24. Preparedness tips: Ready.gov. FEMA’s model is an average of expected damage, not a forecast. How hazard risk is graded.