Brown County Disaster Risk
Brown County, Indiana
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
20th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#80
of 92 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
38th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 38% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 8% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 51% 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 7% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Brown County, Indiana
Brown County faces minimal exposure
Brown County scores 19.69 on the composite risk scale, placing it firmly in the very low risk category and well below national averages. Your county enjoys substantially lower disaster vulnerability than typical U.S. regions.
Among Indiana's safest counties
Brown County ranks in Indiana's safest tier with a score of 19.69, well below the state average of 45.52. Only a handful of counties statewide present lower natural disaster risk than Brown.
Safest in south-central Indiana
Brown County's score of 19.69 is lower than nearby Bartholomew County (70.87) and Carroll County (29.64), making it the regional safety leader. Your county represents the most secure area in its immediate vicinity.
Tornado risk is primary concern
Tornado risk of 51.08 represents Brown County's highest hazard score, though it remains below statewide tornado averages. Flooding reaches 37.98, with all other hazards scoring below 43.
Standard coverage addresses needs
Brown County's minimal disaster exposure means standard homeowners insurance typically provides adequate protection. Maintain a weather radio during severe weather season and keep basic emergency supplies on hand as routine practice.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Brown County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Brown County
Risk Verdict
At the 20th percentile nationally, Brown County experiences relatively limited natural hazard pressure compared to most of the country. Even at the 20th percentile, Brown County's composite score reflects real hazard exposure categories — knowing which ones apply locally enables targeted, efficient household preparedness.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Brown County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 51th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 42th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (38th percentile), wildfire (8th percentile), hurricane (7th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Brown County ranks at the 51th percentile nationally for tornado exposure. Unlike many slow-onset hazards, tornadoes in Brown County can reach full intensity in minutes; a pre-practiced household shelter plan matters far more than stockpiled supplies. Alongside tornado exposure, earthquake at the 42th percentile nationally means Brown County households face multi-hazard severe-weather seasons that benefit from a single integrated emergency plan covering both threats. Brown County county emergency management typically publishes annual severe-weather preparedness guides tailored to local tornado patterns; households benefit from reviewing these before storm season begins each spring.
Regional Context
A composite score 25.8 points below the Indiana state average puts Brown County in a better-than-typical position relative to neighboring counties.
Is your household prepared for Brown County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Brown County, IN?
What types of natural hazards affect Brown County?
How does Brown County risk compare to the Indiana average?
Is Brown County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Brown 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.