Clay County Disaster Risk
Clay County, Indiana
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
27th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#68
of 92 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
34th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 34% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 7% 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 73% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 18% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Clay County, Indiana
Clay County enjoys relatively low risk
Clay County's composite risk score of 27.04 sits well below the national average, placing it among the safer counties in the country. While no area is completely risk-free, Clay County residents face below-average natural hazard exposure.
Among Indiana's safer counties
Clay County scores 27.04, nearly 40% below Indiana's state average of 45.52, ranking it among the state's lowest-risk areas. Only a handful of Indiana counties enjoy comparably low composite risk scores.
One of the safest in the region
Clay County (27.04) faces lower risk than all surrounding counties, making it among the safest areas in south-central Indiana. Neighboring Crawford County (25.80) is comparable, but most other adjacent counties score substantially higher.
Earthquake risk outpaces other hazards
While Clay County enjoys low overall risk, its biggest threat comes from earthquakes (72.96), well above the county's other hazard scores. Tornado risk (45.26) ranks second, and flood risk (34.19) remains relatively modest.
Earthquake insurance deserves consideration
Clay County's below-average flood and tornado risks mean standard homeowners insurance covers most major perils here. However, the elevated earthquake risk (72.96) suggests adding earthquake coverage, especially if you own older or unreinforced structures.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Clay County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Clay County
Risk Verdict
Clay County's overall natural disaster score at the 27th percentile puts it well below the national median for hazard exposure. Clay County residents can take confidence from a 27th percentile ranking, but even lower-risk counties benefit from a practiced household communication plan and awareness of the specific hazards listed above.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Clay County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 73th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 45th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (34th percentile), hurricane (18th percentile), wildfire (7th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Earthquake exposure at the 73th percentile nationally puts Clay 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. Alongside earthquake exposure, Clay County's tornado risk at the 45th percentile nationally reinforces the value of maintaining a household emergency supply cache usable for multiple hazard scenarios. Clay 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
Clay County's composite risk score sits 18.5 points below the Indiana county average, reflecting a more favorable hazard environment than the state typical.
Is your household prepared for Clay County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Clay County, IN?
What types of natural hazards affect Clay County?
How does Clay County risk compare to the Indiana average?
Is Clay County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Clay 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.