Franklin County Disaster Risk
Franklin County, Indiana
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
34th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#59
of 92 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
53th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 53% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 15% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 60% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 40% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 11% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Franklin County, Indiana
Franklin Ranks Among Indiana's Safest
Franklin County scores 34.22 on composite risk, placing it firmly in the Very Low category and well below Indiana's average of 45.52. Residents benefit from relatively low exposure to natural disasters across most hazard types.
Among Indiana's Lowest-Risk Counties
Franklin ranks among Indiana's safest counties by composite risk measure, with only a handful of peers scoring lower. The county's Very Low rating reflects minimal hazard exposure relative to most other Indiana communities.
Low-Risk Profile in East-Central Region
Franklin's score of 34.22 sits just above nearby Fayette (33.49) and well below Delaware (76.34) and Elkhart (83.75), positioning it as one of the safer counties in east-central Indiana. Its modest risk level provides relative safety compared to higher-threat neighboring counties.
Tornado Risk Leads Other Concerns
Tornado risk at 60.46 is Franklin's highest hazard exposure but remains below state averages, while flood risk at 52.70 reflects modest waterway vulnerability. Earthquake and hurricane risks are minimal threats to the county.
Standard Insurance With Tornado Prep
Franklin residents should maintain standard homeowners coverage with wind and hail protection, plus a basic tornado safety plan. Flood insurance is optional but sensible for properties in designated flood zones or near water features.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Franklin County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Franklin County
Risk Verdict
Franklin County sits in the lower tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure, ranked at the 34th percentile nationally. Being ranked at the 34th percentile nationally is an advantage for Franklin County — it means fewer statistically likely events, though basic readiness ensures households are covered when exceptions occur.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Franklin County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 60th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 53th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (40th percentile), wildfire (15th percentile), hurricane (11th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 60th percentile nationally for tornado risk, Franklin County households benefit most from a reliable alert system — a NOAA weather radio that activates during overnight hours when residents may not be checking smartphone alerts. Flood is the second hazard driver for Franklin County at the 53th percentile nationally, meaning households should maintain awareness of both severe-weather and flood-specific warning systems. For Franklin County households, a pre-decided family shelter plan — who goes where, how children are retrieved from school during a warning, and a neighborhood meet-up point if phones fail — provides real protection that no supply kit alone can replicate.
Regional Context
Franklin County falls 11.3 points below Indiana's typical county risk level, making it one of the safer natural-hazard environments in the state.
Is your household prepared for Franklin County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Franklin County, IN?
What types of natural hazards affect Franklin County?
How does Franklin County risk compare to the Indiana average?
Is Franklin County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Franklin 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.