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

Cass County Disaster Risk

Cass County, Indiana

FEMA Risk Rating

Relatively Low

National Percentile

57th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#29

of 92 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

64th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 64% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Very Low

Higher than 11% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 60% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 62% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Very Low

Higher than 34% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Cass County, Indiana

Cass County faces moderate national risk

Cass County's composite risk score of 56.77 puts it above the national average, indicating above-average exposure to natural hazards. While not among the highest-risk counties nationally, residents here face real and measurable disaster threats that merit preparation and insurance coverage.

Above average risk for Indiana

At 56.77, Cass County scores 25% higher than Indiana's state average of 45.52, ranking it in the middle-to-upper tier of the state's 92 counties. This positions Cass County as one of the more hazard-exposed areas in Indiana, though well below the state's highest-risk counties.

Riskier than most adjacent counties

Cass County (56.77) faces notably higher risk than neighboring Clinton County (30.53) and Dearborn County (45.23), but slightly lower risk than Daviess County (58.81). Local residents should understand that disaster preparedness varies significantly across the region.

Earthquakes and tornadoes top threats

Cass County residents face highest risk from earthquakes (62.40) and tornadoes (60.43), both well above national baselines. Flood risk (64.09) ranks third and poses a serious threat during heavy rainfall or spring snowmelt events.

Earthquake and tornado coverage essential

Standard homeowners insurance doesn't cover earthquake damage—add a separate earthquake policy given Cass County's 62.40 earthquake risk score. Ensure your policy includes tornado coverage and maintain a home emergency kit, especially given the 60.43 tornado risk that puts this county in active storm country.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Cass County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    FloodPrepare
    64th percentile
  2. #2
    EarthquakePrepare
    62th percentile
  3. #3
    TornadoPrepare
    60th percentile

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

Risk Advisory: Cass County

Risk Verdict

Cass County sits below the national average for natural disaster exposure, ranking at the 57th percentile across all U.S. counties. Understanding the specific hazards behind Cass County's ranking helps residents prioritize where to direct emergency planning efforts.

Hazard Breakdown

Flood risk is Cass County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 64th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 62th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (60th percentile), hurricane (34th percentile), wildfire (11th percentile).

Preparedness Context

With flood ranked as the primary hazard at the 64th percentile nationally, Cass County households should build a go-bag that includes important documents, medications, and supplies to sustain the family for at least three days if evacuation is needed. Secondary earthquake exposure at the 62th percentile adds a second preparedness layer; households should review coverage options and alert sign-up for both hazard types. A waterproof container for documents (insurance policies, ID, prescriptions) and a clear household communication plan for when phone networks are congested are the two highest-value low-cost preparedness steps for Cass County households.

Regional Context

A composite score 11.3 points above the Indiana state average puts Cass County in a higher-risk category than most counties in the state.

Is your household prepared for Cass 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 Cass County, IN?
Cass County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Relatively Low, placing it in the 57th 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 Cass County?
Cass County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: flooding (64th percentile), earthquake (62th percentile), tornado (60th percentile), hurricane (34th percentile), wildfire (11th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is flooding at the 64th 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 Cass County risk compare to the Indiana average?
Cass County's composite risk percentile is 57th, compared to the Indiana state average of 46th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Cass County faces higher natural disaster risk than the typical county in Indiana.
Is Cass County at risk for flooding?
Yes, Cass County's flooding risk is at the 64th percentile nationally. This is above the national median.
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.
Why is Cass County higher risk than average?
Cass County's composite risk score of 57th percentile is above the Indiana state average of 46th percentile. This elevated risk is driven by flooding exposure (64th percentile), along with earthquake and tornado risk. Geographic location, terrain, climate patterns, and proximity to flood zones or fault lines all influence a county's risk profile.
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.