Gibson County Disaster Risk
Gibson County, Indiana
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
48th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#36
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 6% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 39% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 88% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 28% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Gibson County, Indiana
Gibson sits just above national average
With a composite risk score of 48.00, Gibson County earns a "Relatively Low" rating and sits modestly above the national average. The county faces notable earthquake exposure (88.45) that elevates its overall score despite lower flood and wildfire threats.
Middling risk by Indiana standards
Gibson's 48.00 score runs slightly above Indiana's 45.52 state average, placing it in the moderate range of state counties. The earthquake risk of 88.45 is notably high—among the state's most significant seismic exposure.
More exposed than Greene County west
Gibson County's risk (48.00) exceeds nearby Greene County's 42.49, driven largely by substantially higher earthquake exposure (88.45 vs. 75.35). Both counties face similar flood and tornado risks, but Gibson's seismic profile sets it apart.
Earthquakes dominate Gibson's hazard profile
Earthquake risk at 88.45 makes Gibson one of Indiana's most seismically exposed counties, far exceeding the state average. Flooding (36.93) and tornadoes (38.74) pose secondary but meaningful threats, particularly in low-lying areas.
Secure homes for seismic and flood risk
Homeowners should ensure earthquake coverage through specialized policies, as standard homeowners insurance excludes seismic damage. Flood insurance is also essential for properties in flood-prone zones, and securing heavy furniture and appliances protects against earthquake damage.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Gibson County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Gibson County
Risk Verdict
At the 48th percentile nationally, Gibson County experiences a manageable level of natural hazard risk that falls below the U.S. median. The 48th percentile national ranking is one lens; Gibson County residents also benefit from reviewing which specific hazard types drive the county's composite score and preparing accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Gibson County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 88th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 39th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (37th percentile), hurricane (28th percentile), wildfire (6th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Gibson County's primary hazard, earthquake, ranks at the 88th 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. Alongside earthquake exposure, Gibson County's tornado risk at the 39th percentile nationally reinforces the value of maintaining a household emergency supply cache usable for multiple hazard scenarios. After a major earthquake, Gibson 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
At 2.5 points from the Indiana county mean, Gibson County's overall disaster risk profile is close to typical for this state, with no dramatic deviation in either direction.
Is your household prepared for Gibson County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Gibson County, IN?
What types of natural hazards affect Gibson County?
How does Gibson County risk compare to the Indiana average?
Is Gibson County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Gibson 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.