Dubois County Disaster Risk
Dubois County, Indiana
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
59th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#27
of 92 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
66th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 66% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 17% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 59% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 87% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 32% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Dubois County, Indiana
Dubois Balances Multiple Moderate Threats
Dubois County scores 59.13 on composite risk, moderately above Indiana's average of 45.52 and in the Relatively Low category nationwide. The county faces a balanced mix of hazard exposures rather than dominating risks in any single category.
Mid-Range Risk Within Indiana
Dubois ranks in the middle tier of Indiana counties by composite risk, falling below the highest-risk counties but above the safest ones. Its profile reflects typical southern Indiana hazard patterns.
Moderate Risk in Southern Indiana
Dubois's score of 59.13 positions it between low-risk counties like Franklin (34.22) and higher-risk neighbors like Floyd (75.38). Its risk level is notably lower than neighboring Elkhart County (83.75).
Earthquake Risk Is the Surprising Leader
Earthquake risk registers highest at 87.47, followed closely by flood risk at 66.06, reflecting Dubois's proximity to seismic zones and vulnerable water systems. Tornado risk at 58.75 rounds out the county's top three hazards.
Earthquake and Flood Coverage Priority
Dubois homeowners should strongly consider standalone earthquake insurance, given the county's elevated seismic risk, alongside comprehensive flood coverage. Wind and tornado protection through homeowners insurance remains essential.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Dubois County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Dubois County
Risk Verdict
At the 59th percentile nationally, Dubois County experiences a manageable level of natural hazard risk that falls below the U.S. median. Dubois County's risk profile calls for targeted preparedness, focusing on the hazard categories that dominate the county's score.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Dubois County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 87th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 66th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (59th percentile), hurricane (32th percentile), wildfire (17th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Dubois County's primary hazard, earthquake, ranks at the 87th percentile nationally. Unreinforced masonry structures carry the highest injury risk during seismic events; residents in older buildings should check with their municipality about available seismic retrofit programs. The county's flood risk at the 66th percentile nationally is a seasonal consideration alongside the year-round earthquake threat, requiring awareness of both hazard types. After a major earthquake, Dubois County residents should expect water service disruption for 24 to 72 or more hours. Storing a minimum of one gallon per person per day for three days — before any event — is the most direct preparedness action households can take.
Regional Context
Dubois County falls 13.6 points above Indiana's typical county risk level, which means the hazard environment here is notably more demanding than the state baseline.
Is your household prepared for Dubois County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Dubois County, IN?
What types of natural hazards affect Dubois County?
How does Dubois County risk compare to the Indiana average?
Is Dubois County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Dubois 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.