Benton County Disaster Risk
Benton County, Indiana
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
5th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#91
of 92 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
8th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 8% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 1% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 29% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 42% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 23% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Benton County, Indiana
Benton County faces minimal risk
Benton County scores just 4.87 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the very low risk category and far below national averages. Your county enjoys some of the lowest disaster vulnerability in the United States.
Indiana's safest county
Benton County ranks as Indiana's lowest-risk county with a composite score of 4.87, compared to the state average of 45.52. No county in Indiana is safer from natural disasters than Benton.
Safest in a low-risk region
Benton County's score of 4.87 is even lower than nearby Blackford County (9.00) and Carroll County (29.64), making it the regional leader in disaster resilience. Your county occupies the safest corner of an already-safe area.
Tornado exposure most notable
Even in Benton County's low-risk environment, tornado risk reaches 29.45—still modest compared to statewide patterns. All other hazards score below 42, reflecting consistently minimal disaster exposure.
Standard coverage suffices here
With disaster risks among the nation's lowest, standard homeowners insurance is typically adequate for Benton County residents. Still maintain a weather radio and basic emergency kit for routine storm season preparedness.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Benton County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Benton County
Risk Verdict
Benton County's overall natural disaster score at the 5th percentile puts it well below the national median for hazard exposure. Being ranked at the 5th percentile nationally is an advantage for Benton County — it means fewer statistically likely events, though basic readiness ensures households are covered when exceptions occur.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Benton County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 42th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 29th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (23th percentile), flood (8th percentile), wildfire (1th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Earthquake exposure at the 42th percentile nationally puts Benton County in a zone where utilities — gas, water, electrical — are the most common post-quake hazard. Knowing how to shut off the main gas valve is an important household skill to develop before an event occurs. The county's tornado risk at the 29th percentile nationally is a seasonal consideration alongside the year-round earthquake threat, requiring awareness of both hazard types. Benton County households benefit from keeping shoes and a flashlight near the bed — post-earthquake navigation through debris in the dark is a common cause of secondary injury. This low-cost step has outsized protective value.
Regional Context
Benton County's composite risk score sits 40.7 points below the Indiana county average, reflecting a more favorable hazard environment than the state typical.
Is your household prepared for Benton County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Benton County, IN?
What types of natural hazards affect Benton County?
How does Benton County risk compare to the Indiana average?
Is Benton County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Benton County a safe place to live?
Data Source
Risk data sourced from the FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Risk scores are relative rankings (0–100) across all US counties — not absolute risk measures. Higher scores indicate higher relative risk compared to other counties.
Disclaimer: This data is informational only. It is not financial, insurance, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making insurance or real estate decisions.