Harrison County Disaster Risk
Harrison County, Indiana
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
51th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#34
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 18% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 82% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 69% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 14% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Harrison County, Indiana
Harrison moderately above national average
Harrison County's composite risk score of 51.05 places it in the "Relatively Low" category but above the national average. Tornado exposure (82.09) and moderate flood risk (56.71) drive the county's hazard profile, while earthquake and hurricane risks remain secondary.
Above average for Indiana overall
Harrison's 51.05 score runs modestly above Indiana's 45.52 state average, placing the county in the upper-middle tier of state risk. Tornado risk at 82.09 is notably high—among the top half of Indiana counties for severe convective weather.
Higher risk than Greene, lower than Grant
Harrison County's 51.05 sits between nearby Greene County's 42.49 and Grant County's 69.40, reflecting moderate tornado and flood exposure. The county's southeastern location brings higher tornado exposure compared to Greene, but less severe than Grant or Hamilton.
Tornadoes and flooding warrant preparation
Tornado risk at 82.09 makes severe thunderstorms a serious concern for Harrison County, ranking it in the state's higher-exposure tier. Flooding (56.71) poses a secondary threat, particularly in areas near the Ohio River and tributary valleys.
Prioritize storm and flood readiness
Homeowners need comprehensive wind and hail coverage as a baseline, plus a safe room or basement shelter plan for tornado season. Flood insurance is recommended for properties near waterways; regularly review and update coverage to match current property values.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Harrison County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Harrison County
Risk Verdict
With a national percentile rank of 51th, Harrison County faces below-average hazard exposure relative to U.S. counties as a whole. Above-average risk does not mean imminent danger; it signals that informed, hazard-specific preparedness has high value here.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Harrison County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 82th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 69th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (57th percentile), wildfire (18th percentile), hurricane (14th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 82th percentile nationally for tornado risk, Harrison 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. Alongside tornado exposure, earthquake at the 69th percentile nationally means Harrison County households face multi-hazard severe-weather seasons that benefit from a single integrated emergency plan covering both threats. For Harrison 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
At 5.5 points above the Indiana state average, Harrison County carries meaningfully higher natural disaster exposure than a typical Indiana county.
Is your household prepared for Harrison County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Harrison County, IN?
What types of natural hazards affect Harrison County?
How does Harrison County risk compare to the Indiana average?
Is Harrison County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Harrison 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.