Delaware County Disaster Risk
Delaware County, Indiana
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
76th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#15
of 92 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
82th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 82% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 22% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 90% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 83% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 32% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Delaware County, Indiana
Delaware Faces Above-Average Disaster Risk
Delaware County's composite risk score of 76.34 places it in the Relatively Low category but substantially above Indiana's average of 45.52. This northeastern county experiences notably higher exposure to multiple hazard types than most U.S. counties.
Among Indiana's Higher-Risk Counties
Delaware ranks in the upper tier of Indiana counties by composite risk, making it one of the state's more hazard-prone regions. Only a handful of Indiana counties score higher on overall disaster risk.
The Riskiest County in Its Region
Delaware's score of 76.34 substantially exceeds neighboring DeKalb (41.32), Franklin (34.22), and Fayette (33.49) counties. Its elevated risk profile makes it an outlier in northeastern Indiana.
Tornadoes and Floods Lead Concerns
Tornado risk dominates at 90.39, making Delaware one of Indiana's most tornado-prone counties, while flood risk at 82.47 reflects vulnerable waterways and infrastructure. Earthquake risk at 82.73 adds a secondary but significant threat to county residents.
Comprehensive Coverage Is Critical
Delaware residents must prioritize robust wind and tornado protection, including a designated safe room, plus comprehensive flood insurance for all properties in flood-prone zones. Earthquake coverage should be evaluated given the county's elevated seismic risk score.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Delaware County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Delaware County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard pressure in Delaware County is below the national midpoint, with a composite score at the 76th percentile. Residents should prioritize a formal household emergency plan, including evacuation routes, insurance review, and a well-stocked emergency kit.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Delaware County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 90th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 83th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (82th percentile), hurricane (32th percentile), wildfire (22th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With tornado ranked at the 90th percentile nationally, Delaware County sits in a high-exposure zone where the difference between outcomes often comes down to proximity to a reinforced interior shelter and seconds of warning time. Earthquake is the second hazard driver for Delaware County at the 83th percentile nationally, meaning households should maintain awareness of both severe-weather and earthquake-specific warning systems. For Delaware County households, safe rooms certified to FEMA 320/361 standards offer the highest protection during a direct tornado hit; households without a safe room should locate the innermost lowest-floor room in their building and practice the route to it before storm season.
Regional Context
Delaware County is 30.8 composite risk points above the Indiana average, indicating that residents face greater natural hazard exposure than most of their in-state neighbors.
Is your household prepared for Delaware County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Delaware County, IN?
What types of natural hazards affect Delaware County?
How does Delaware County risk compare to the Indiana average?
Is Delaware County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Delaware County higher risk than average?
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.