Johnson County Disaster Risk
Johnson County, Indiana
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
75th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#18
of 92 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
79th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 79% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 20% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 89% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 82% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 11% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Johnson County, Indiana
Johnson County's risk profile
Johnson County scores 74.65 on the national composite risk scale, rating as relatively low despite sitting well above Indiana's state average of 45.52. This elevated score reflects concentrated vulnerability to specific hazards rather than broad disaster exposure across all threat types.
Above average risk in Indiana
Johnson County ranks among Indiana's higher-risk counties, though its "relatively low" rating means it still falls below the most vulnerable communities nationally. Within the state, Johnson County's 74.65 score places it in the upper tier of risk exposure.
Riskier than nearby Madison County
Johnson County (74.65) faces slightly higher overall risk than Madison County (77.26) to its north, but both share similar tornado vulnerability. Compared to Knox County (55.31) to the south, Johnson County experiences substantially elevated hazard exposure.
Tornadoes and earthquakes dominate
Tornado risk scores 89.31 in Johnson County, making severe convective storms the primary natural disaster threat—comparable to statewide danger. Earthquake risk at 81.55 represents the second major concern, though flooding at 78.91 also demands serious preparation.
Secure coverage for tornadoes now
Johnson County residents should prioritize comprehensive homeowners insurance that explicitly covers tornado and wind damage, given the 89.31 tornado risk score. Review coverage limits for earthquake protection as well, particularly if your home sits near fault zones or on seismically active ground.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Johnson County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Johnson County
Risk Verdict
Johnson County has a below-average natural disaster risk profile, scoring at the 75th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Households in Johnson County benefit from knowing which individual hazard types — flood, wildfire, tornado, or hurricane — are the primary contributors.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Johnson County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 89th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 82th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (79th percentile), wildfire (20th percentile), hurricane (11th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Tornado risk is Johnson County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 89th percentile nationally. For Johnson 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. The secondary earthquake hazard at the 82th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Johnson County's preparedness calendar, since earthquake and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. A battery-powered NOAA All Hazards weather radio with an auto-alert tone is the highest-leverage single item for tornado preparedness in Johnson County, since it delivers warnings even when power is out and phone networks are congested.
Regional Context
Johnson County's composite risk score sits 29.1 points above the Indiana county average, placing it among the more hazard-exposed counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Johnson County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Johnson County, IN?
What types of natural hazards affect Johnson County?
How does Johnson County risk compare to the Indiana average?
Is Johnson County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Johnson 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.