Hancock County Disaster Risk
Hancock County, Indiana
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
44th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#43
of 92 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
57th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 57% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 5% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 74% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 70% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 15% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Hancock County, Indiana
Hancock sits near national average
Hancock County's composite risk score of 44.02 earns a "Relatively Low" rating and sits just below the national average. Tornado exposure (73.86) and moderate flood risk (57.06) are the county's primary concerns, though both remain manageable.
Below Indiana's average exposure
Hancock's 44.02 score runs slightly below Indiana's 45.52 state average, placing it in the safer half of state counties. Tornado risk remains above state average at 73.86, but flood and earthquake exposures are more moderate.
Safer than Hamilton, comparable to Greene
Hancock County's 44.02 score sits well below neighboring Hamilton County's 88.80, reflecting dramatically lower tornado and flood exposure. The county tracks closely with Greene County (42.49), making both reasonable risk profiles for the central Indiana region.
Tornadoes pose primary weather threat
Tornado risk at 73.86 is Hancock's dominant hazard, though still below the state's highest-exposure counties. Flooding (57.06) presents a secondary concern, particularly in creek valleys and low-lying agricultural areas during spring runoff and heavy storms.
Prepare for tornado season
Comprehensive homeowners insurance with strong wind and hail coverage is essential for tornado protection. Identify or build a safe room in your home, maintain a weather radio, and practice your family evacuation plan annually.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Hancock County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Hancock County
Risk Verdict
Hancock County sits below the national average for natural disaster exposure, ranking at the 44th percentile across all U.S. counties. Hancock County's 44th percentile ranking is favorable, though every county carries at least one natural hazard worth knowing — reviewing the specific risks listed above helps households focus their preparedness where it matters most.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Hancock County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 74th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 70th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (57th percentile), hurricane (15th percentile), wildfire (5th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Ranked at the 74th percentile nationally for tornado risk, Hancock County is in a zone where storm shelters have the highest per-dollar protective value of any mitigation investment. Hancock County's county shelter map is typically available through the local emergency management office. Earthquake is the second hazard driver for Hancock County at the 70th percentile nationally, meaning households should maintain awareness of both severe-weather and earthquake-specific warning systems. Hancock 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
Hancock County's composite risk score is within 1.5 points of the Indiana county average — a close alignment that reflects a broadly representative hazard environment for this part of the state.
Is your household prepared for Hancock County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Hancock County, IN?
What types of natural hazards affect Hancock County?
How does Hancock County risk compare to the Indiana average?
Is Hancock County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Hancock 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.