Indiana natural disaster risk
Indiana ranks #15 of 51 from safest. Its biggest relative risks are tornado, strong wind, earthquake.
The vertical line marks the middle of U.S. counties (50).
Risk in Indiana's largest counties
| County | Population | Risk score | FEMA rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marion County | 975,809 | 97.5 | Relatively High |
| Lake County | 500,379 | 95.9 | Relatively High |
| Allen County | 392,378 | 90.8 | Relatively Moderate |
| Hamilton County | 365,056 | 88.8 | Relatively Moderate |
| St. Joseph County | 273,040 | 85.8 | Relatively Moderate |
| Elkhart County | 207,132 | 83.7 | Relatively Moderate |
| Tippecanoe County | 189,071 | 81.8 | Relatively Moderate |
| Hendricks County | 183,344 | 76.8 | Relatively Low |
| Vanderburgh County | 180,117 | 91.3 | Relatively Moderate |
| Porter County | 174,818 | 81.4 | Relatively Moderate |
| Johnson County | 166,315 | 74.7 | Relatively Low |
| Monroe County | 140,965 | 76.0 | Relatively Low |
| Madison County | 131,900 | 77.3 | Relatively Low |
| Clark County | 124,354 | 81.4 | Relatively Moderate |
| Delaware County | 112,280 | 76.3 | Relatively Low |
| LaPorte County | 111,917 | 78.9 | Relatively Low |
| Vigo County | 106,109 | 83.2 | Relatively Moderate |
| Hancock County | 84,037 | 44.0 | Relatively Low |
| Howard County | 83,752 | 63.7 | Relatively Low |
| Bartholomew County | 83,536 | 70.9 | Relatively Low |
| Floyd County | 80,918 | 75.4 | Relatively Low |
| Kosciusko County | 80,442 | 66.3 | Relatively Low |
| Boone County | 74,718 | 43.2 | Relatively Low |
| Morgan County | 72,659 | 63.5 | Relatively Low |
| Wayne County | 66,397 | 74.1 | Relatively Low |
County scores are averages, and the insurance figure above is what owners with a mortgage reported paying in 2024 (Census American Community Survey); premiums have risen since, especially in high-risk areas. For a specific home, check the address on FEMA's flood map and get insurance quotes before you commit. Our guide explains how to check natural disaster risk before you move.
Lowest-risk counties in Indiana
- Fulton County 20.2
- Sullivan County 20.6
- Scott County 22.3
- Wells County 22.8
- Jay County 22.9
- Decatur County 23.1
- Whitley County 24.6
- Starke County 24.9
Cities in Indiana
- Chicago, IL risk 97.1
- Cincinnati, OH risk 82.9
- Indianapolis, IN risk 83.9
- Louisville, KY risk 83
- Fort Wayne, IN risk 81.5
Frequently asked questions
Is Indiana safe from natural disasters?
Indiana's population-weighted FEMA risk score is 72.5 out of 100 (above average for U.S. counties), #15 of 51 from safest. About 22% of residents live in counties FEMA rates relatively high or very high.
What natural disasters happen in Indiana?
The highest relative risks in Indiana are tornado, strong wind, earthquake (national percentile scores 84, 83, 79).
Where is the safest place to live in Indiana?
Among counties with at least 20,000 people, the lowest FEMA risk scores are in Fulton County, Sullivan County, Scott County.