riskbycounty
FEMA NRI 1.19.0Updated Nov 2023 · Coverage 2014–2023Methodology

Jasper County Disaster Risk

Jasper County, Indiana

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

33th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#61

of 92 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

45th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 45% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Very Low

Higher than 19% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 46% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 52% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Very Low

Higher than 26% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Jasper County, Indiana

Jasper County: Very low risk profile

Jasper County's composite risk score of 32.82 places it firmly in the very low category, substantially below Indiana's 45.52 state average and well below typical U.S. risk levels. Residents here enjoy exceptional protection from major natural disasters relative to most Americans.

Among Indiana's safest counties

Jasper County ranks in the bottom quartile of Indiana's 92 counties for natural disaster risk, placing it among the state's safest areas. Only about 25% of Indiana counties present lower overall risk exposure.

Safest zone in northwest Indiana

Jasper County's 32.82 risk score significantly outperforms neighboring Porter County and Starke County, making it one of the lowest-risk areas in northwest Indiana. Even compared to nearby Jay County (22.87), Jasper remains well-protected from natural hazards.

Earthquakes exceed tornado risk

Earthquake risk reaches 51.65 in Jasper County, the primary concern despite being below state averages. Tornado risk (46.22) and wildfire risk (18.67) remain notable but manageable, while flood risk (44.88) aligns with state norms.

Basic insurance plus earthquake coverage

Jasper County residents should maintain standard homeowners insurance with wind and hail protection for general storms. Adding earthquake coverage is prudent given the 51.65 seismic risk, providing comprehensive protection against the county's primary natural hazards.

Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Jasper County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    EarthquakePrepare
    52th percentile
  2. #2
    TornadoPrepare
    46th percentile
  3. #3
    FloodPrepare
    45th percentile

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)

Risk Advisory: Jasper County

Risk Verdict

Natural disaster exposure in Jasper County is lower than roughly three-quarters of U.S. counties, with a composite score at the 33th percentile. Even at the 33th percentile, Jasper County's composite score reflects real hazard exposure categories — knowing which ones apply locally enables targeted, efficient household preparedness.

Hazard Breakdown

Earthquake risk is Jasper County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 52th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 46th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (45th percentile), hurricane (26th percentile), wildfire (19th percentile).

Preparedness Context

At the 52th percentile nationally for earthquake risk, Jasper County is in a zone where a post-earthquake communications plan matters almost as much as pre-earthquake structural preparation — phone networks are typically congested for hours after a significant event. The county's tornado risk at the 46th percentile nationally is a seasonal consideration alongside the year-round earthquake threat, requiring awareness of both hazard types. For Jasper County households, the three highest-impact earthquake preparedness actions are: (1) anchor heavy furniture and water heaters, (2) store three days of water at one gallon per person per day, and (3) identify a family reunification plan for the post-quake communication blackout period.

Regional Context

Jasper County is 12.7 composite risk points below the Indiana state mean, meaning most other Indiana counties face higher natural hazard exposure.

Is your household prepared for Jasper County's hazards?

Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.

FEMA Ready Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the natural disaster risk in Jasper County, IN?
Jasper County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Very Low, placing it in the 33th percentile nationally out of 3,144 counties. This composite score reflects the county's overall exposure to natural hazards including floods, wildfires, tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes, weighted by expected annual loss and social vulnerability.
What types of natural hazards affect Jasper County?
Jasper County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: earthquake (52th percentile), tornado (46th percentile), flooding (45th percentile), hurricane (26th percentile), wildfire (19th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is earthquake at the 52th percentile nationally. These scores are derived from FEMA's National Risk Index, which analyzes expected annual loss, social vulnerability, and community resilience for each hazard type.
How does Jasper County risk compare to the Indiana average?
Jasper County's composite risk percentile is 33th, compared to the Indiana state average of 46th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Jasper County faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in Indiana.
Is Jasper County at risk for earthquake?
Yes, Jasper County's earthquake risk is at the 52th percentile nationally. This is above the national median. For flooding specifically, Jasper County is at the 45th percentile.
How is natural disaster risk measured?
FEMA's National Risk Index (NRI) calculates risk scores for 18 natural hazard types across all U.S. counties and census tracts. The composite score combines Expected Annual Loss (estimated dollar losses from each hazard), Social Vulnerability (demographic factors affecting disaster impact), and Community Resilience (ability to recover). Percentile scores rank each county against all 3,144 U.S. counties, and risk ratings range from Very Low to Very High.
Is Jasper County a safe place to live?
Jasper County's composite risk score of 33th percentile is below the Indiana state average of 46th percentile, indicating relatively lower exposure to natural hazards. However, no county is completely risk-free. The primary hazard type is earthquake at the 52th percentile. Residents should still maintain emergency preparedness plans and appropriate insurance coverage.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

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.