Decatur County Disaster Risk
Decatur County, Indiana
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
23th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#73
of 92 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
37th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 37% 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 60% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 59% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 19% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Decatur County, Indiana
Decatur County enjoys low risk
Decatur County's composite risk score of 23.12 sits well below the national average, placing it among the safer counties across the country. Residents face below-average exposure to major natural disasters.
Among Indiana's lowest-risk counties
Decatur County scores 23.12, roughly 49% below Indiana's state average of 45.52, ranking it among the state's safest counties. Very few Indiana counties have lower composite risk scores.
Among the safest in the region
Decatur County (23.12) ranks among the lowest-risk counties in its immediate area, comparable to Clay County (27.04) and Crawford County (25.80). The county enjoys significantly lower hazard exposure than most surrounding areas.
Tornado and earthquake risks are modest
Decatur County's primary natural hazard risks come from tornadoes (59.54) and earthquakes (59.19), both moderate by state standards. Flood risk (36.51) ranks third, while wildfire and hurricane risks remain minimal.
Basic insurance coverage should suffice
Decatur County's low overall risk means standard homeowners insurance adequately covers most major perils for typical residents. Consider earthquake coverage given the 59.19 earthquake risk, and maintain a basic emergency kit—but overall, disaster insurance needs are minimal compared to most Indiana counties.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Decatur County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Decatur County
Risk Verdict
Natural disaster exposure in Decatur County is lower than roughly three-quarters of U.S. counties, with a composite score at the 23th percentile. The 23th percentile national ranking is one lens; Decatur County residents also benefit from reviewing which specific hazard types drive the county's composite score and preparing accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Decatur County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 60th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 59th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (37th percentile), hurricane (19th percentile), wildfire (7th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Ranked at the 60th percentile nationally for tornado risk, Decatur County is in a zone where storm shelters have the highest per-dollar protective value of any mitigation investment. Decatur County's county shelter map is typically available through the local emergency management office. Alongside tornado exposure, earthquake at the 59th percentile nationally means Decatur County households face multi-hazard severe-weather seasons that benefit from a single integrated emergency plan covering both threats. Decatur County residents can check the county's emergency management website for community shelter locations nearest their address — a step worth completing now, not during a warning.
Regional Context
Decatur County is 22.4 composite risk points below the Indiana state mean, meaning most other Indiana counties face higher natural hazard exposure.
Is your household prepared for Decatur County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Decatur County, IN?
What types of natural hazards affect Decatur County?
How does Decatur County risk compare to the Indiana average?
Is Decatur County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Decatur 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.