Out of 34 counties with PHMSA gas distribution data, these are the counties with the highest incident risk.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Counties ranked | 34 |
| Total incidents (top 100) | 70 |
| Total fatalities (top 100) | 2 |
Top 34 Counties
| Rank | County | State | Incidents | Fatalities | Latest Year | Risk Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jackson | Missouri | 12 | 1 | 2025 | 44/100 |
| 2 | St. Louis | Missouri | 11 | 0 | 2025 | 5/100 |
| 3 | Iron | Missouri | 11 | 0 | 2025 | 5/100 |
| 4 | St. Charles | Missouri | 11 | 0 | 2025 | 5/100 |
| 5 | Lafayette | Missouri | 2 | 1 | 2025 | 44/100 |
| 6 | Christian | Missouri | 2 | 0 | 2025 | 4/100 |
| 7 | Greene | Missouri | 2 | 0 | 2023 | 2/100 |
| 8 | Cass | Missouri | 2 | 0 | 2014 | 1/100 |
| 9 | Clinton | Missouri | 1 | 0 | 2023 | 12/100 |
| 10 | Jefferson | Missouri | 1 | 0 | 2010 | 5/100 |
| 11 | Taney | Missouri | 1 | 0 | 2025 | 4/100 |
| 12 | Stoddard | Missouri | 1 | 0 | 2023 | 3/100 |
| 13 | Buchanan | Missouri | 1 | 0 | 2024 | 3/100 |
| 14 | Bates | Missouri | 1 | 0 | 2009 | 2/100 |
| 15 | Lincoln | Missouri | 1 | 0 | 2015 | 1/100 |
| 16 | Pike | Missouri | 1 | 0 | 2015 | 1/100 |
| 17 | Miller | Missouri | 1 | 0 | 2006 | 1/100 |
| 18 | Warren | Missouri | 1 | 0 | 2006 | 1/100 |
| 19 | Adair | Missouri | 1 | 0 | 2008 | 1/100 |
| 20 | Pemiscot | Missouri | 1 | 0 | 2006 | 1/100 |
| 21 | Atchison | Missouri | 1 | 0 | 2006 | 1/100 |
| 22 | Jasper | Missouri | 1 | 0 | 2015 | 1/100 |
| 23 | McDonald | Missouri | 1 | 0 | 2019 | 1/100 |
| 24 | Lawrence | Missouri | 1 | 0 | 2015 | 1/100 |
| 25 | Cooper | Missouri | 1 | 0 | 2005 | 1/100 |
| 26 | Texas | Missouri | 0 | 0 | — | 4/100 |
| 27 | Wright | Missouri | 0 | 0 | — | 4/100 |
| 28 | New Madrid | Missouri | 0 | 0 | — | 3/100 |
| 29 | Platte | Missouri | 0 | 0 | — | 3/100 |
| 30 | Andrew | Missouri | 0 | 0 | — | 3/100 |
| 31 | Clay | Missouri | 0 | 0 | — | 2/100 |
| 32 | Ozark | Missouri | 0 | 0 | — | 2/100 |
| 33 | Washington | Missouri | 0 | 0 | — | 1/100 |
| 34 | Dade | Missouri | 0 | 0 | — | 1/100 |
Methodology
County rankings for Missouri based on total PHMSA gas distribution incidents reported since 2004.
Data source: U.S. DOT Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), Gas Distribution System Incident Reports 2004-2026. Last updated: 2026-06-04.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a gas distribution incident?
Gas distribution incidents involve failures in the local natural gas pipeline network — leaks, ruptures, explosions, and equipment failures that can cause property damage, injuries, and fatalities. PHMSA requires all operators to report significant incidents.
How can I protect my home?
Install CO detectors on every level (CPSC recommendation). Have gas appliances inspected annually. Know the signs of a gas leak: rotten egg smell, hissing near gas lines, dead vegetation near pipelines. If you suspect a leak, leave immediately and call 911.