riskbycounty
FEMA NRI 1.19.0Updated Nov 2023 · Coverage 2014–2023Methodology

Blackford County Disaster Risk

Blackford County, Indiana

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

9th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#87

of 92 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

19th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Very Low

Higher than 19% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Very Low

Higher than 3% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 45% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 45% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Very Low

Higher than 21% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Blackford County, Indiana

Blackford County minimizes disaster risk

Blackford County scores 9.00 on the composite risk scale, placing it firmly in the very low risk category and far beneath national averages. Your county ranks among America's safest communities for natural disaster exposure.

Second-safest in Indiana

Blackford County ranks as Indiana's second-lowest-risk county with a score of 9.00, compared to the state average of 45.52. Only Benton County (4.87) presents less disaster vulnerability statewide.

Safest county in northeast region

Blackford County's score of 9.00 slightly exceeds Benton County (4.87) but dramatically outperforms Adams County (52.13) to the south. Your county anchors the safest corner of northeast Indiana.

Tornado exposure is minimal

Tornado risk of 45.17 represents Blackford's highest hazard score, though it remains well below state and national tornado averages. All other natural disaster risks score below 45, indicating consistently low exposure.

Basic preparedness is sufficient

Standard homeowners insurance adequately covers Blackford County's minimal disaster risks. Keep a weather radio accessible during spring storm season and maintain basic emergency supplies as routine household practice.

Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Blackford County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    TornadoPrepare
    45th percentile
  2. #2
    EarthquakePrepare
    45th percentile
  3. #3
    HurricanePrepare
    21th percentile

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)

Local Resources

Risk Advisory: Blackford County

Risk Verdict

Blackford County carries a low natural disaster risk burden, scoring at the 9th percentile under the FEMA National Risk Index. At the 9th percentile nationally, Blackford County's natural hazard profile is comparatively favorable — community resilience is reinforced when individual households maintain a reviewed emergency plan.

Hazard Breakdown

Tornado risk is Blackford County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 45th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 45th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (21th percentile), flood (19th percentile), wildfire (3th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Blackford County's primary hazard, tornado, ranks at the 45th percentile nationally. In Blackford County, mobile homes and manufactured housing face significantly higher tornado risk than site-built structures; residents in these homes should identify the nearest permanent community shelter in advance. The secondary earthquake hazard at the 45th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Blackford County's preparedness calendar, since earthquake and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. The highest-risk window for tornado fatalities is overnight, when Blackford County residents may be asleep. A NOAA weather radio with overnight alert capability is the single most impactful low-cost preparedness step available to Blackford County households.

Regional Context

Compared to the Indiana county average, Blackford County's composite score runs 36.5 points lower — a gap that reflects the county's relatively modest hazard profile within its state context.

Is your household prepared for Blackford County's hazards?

Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.

FEMA Ready Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the natural disaster risk in Blackford County, IN?
Blackford County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Very Low, placing it in the 9th percentile nationally out of 3,144 counties. This composite score reflects the county's overall exposure to natural hazards including floods, wildfires, tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes, weighted by expected annual loss and social vulnerability.
What types of natural hazards affect Blackford County?
Blackford County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: tornado (45th percentile), earthquake (45th percentile), hurricane (21th percentile), flooding (19th percentile), wildfire (3th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is tornado at the 45th percentile nationally. These scores are derived from FEMA's National Risk Index, which analyzes expected annual loss, social vulnerability, and community resilience for each hazard type.
How does Blackford County risk compare to the Indiana average?
Blackford County's composite risk percentile is 9th, compared to the Indiana state average of 46th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Blackford County faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in Indiana.
Is Blackford County at risk for tornado?
Yes, Blackford County's tornado risk is at the 45th percentile nationally. This is below the national median, indicating relatively lower exposure. For flooding specifically, Blackford County is at the 19th percentile.
How is natural disaster risk measured?
FEMA's National Risk Index (NRI) calculates risk scores for 18 natural hazard types across all U.S. counties and census tracts. The composite score combines Expected Annual Loss (estimated dollar losses from each hazard), Social Vulnerability (demographic factors affecting disaster impact), and Community Resilience (ability to recover). Percentile scores rank each county against all 3,144 U.S. counties, and risk ratings range from Very Low to Very High.
Is Blackford County a safe place to live?
Blackford County's composite risk score of 9th percentile is below the Indiana state average of 46th percentile, indicating relatively lower exposure to natural hazards. However, no county is completely risk-free. The primary hazard type is tornado at the 45th percentile. Residents should still maintain emergency preparedness plans and appropriate insurance coverage.

Counties with Similar Risk

Tipton County

Indiana

-0.1

Very Low

9th percentile

Pulaski County

Indiana

+2.2

Very Low

11th percentile

Switzerland County

Indiana

+2.6

Very Low

12th percentile

By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

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.

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