Howard County Disaster Risk
Howard County, Indiana
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
64th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#24
of 92 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
65th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 65% 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
Moderate
Higher than 84% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 77% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 33% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Howard County, Indiana
Howard County faces above-average risk
Howard County's composite risk score of 63.68 significantly exceeds both the Indiana state average (45.52) and the national median, placing it in the relatively low category but well above typical U.S. county risk levels. This elevated profile warrants serious disaster preparedness efforts.
Among Indiana's riskier counties
Howard County ranks in the upper tier of Indiana counties for natural disaster risk, placing it above 70 of the state's 92 counties. Only the state's most hazard-prone areas exceed Howard's exposure levels.
Notably riskier than surrounding areas
Howard County's 63.68 score substantially exceeds nearby Henry County (44.82) and Grant County, making it one of the higher-risk zones in north-central Indiana. Residents here face markedly greater natural disaster exposure than immediate neighbors.
Tornadoes and earthquakes lead threats
Tornado risk reaches 83.68 in Howard County, among the state's highest, followed by earthquake risk at 77.07—well above Indiana's average. Flood risk (64.50) also ranks significantly higher than the state average, creating a triple threat of major hazards.
Multi-hazard insurance is essential
Howard County residents must secure homeowners insurance with robust wind and hail coverage for tornado protection, plus separate earthquake insurance given the elevated 77.07 seismic score. Flood insurance is equally important, as 64.50 flood risk is substantially above state norms.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Howard County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Howard County
Risk Verdict
Howard County has a below-average natural disaster risk profile, scoring at the 64th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Households in Howard County benefit from knowing which individual hazard types — flood, wildfire, tornado, or hurricane — are the primary contributors.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Howard County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 84th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 77th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (65th percentile), hurricane (33th percentile), wildfire (15th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Tornado risk is Howard County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 84th percentile nationally. For Howard County households, the most protective action available is identifying a reinforced interior room on the lowest floor — a bathroom, closet, or central hallway away from windows. Alongside tornado exposure, earthquake at the 77th percentile nationally means Howard County households face multi-hazard severe-weather seasons that benefit from a single integrated emergency plan covering both threats. A battery-powered NOAA All Hazards weather radio with an auto-alert tone is the highest-leverage single item for tornado preparedness in Howard County, since it delivers warnings even when power is out and phone networks are congested.
Regional Context
Howard County's composite risk score sits 18.2 points above the Indiana county average, placing it among the more hazard-exposed counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Howard County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Howard County, IN?
What types of natural hazards affect Howard County?
How does Howard County risk compare to the Indiana average?
Is Howard County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Howard 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.