Kosciusko County Disaster Risk
Kosciusko County, Indiana
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
66th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#22
of 92 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
64th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 64% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 24% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 86% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 68% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 42% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Kosciusko County, Indiana
Kosciusko County faces moderate risk
Kosciusko County scores 66.32 on the composite risk scale, rating as relatively low but standing 20.8 points above Indiana's state average of 45.52. This moderate elevation reflects scattered vulnerability across multiple hazard types rather than concentrated danger.
Mid-range risk within Indiana
Kosciusko County's 66.32 score places it solidly in the middle tier of Indiana's risk distribution, ranking notably higher than Lawrence County but lower than Lake County. The county faces above-average statewide exposure across several disaster categories.
Neighbors face similar challenges
Kosciusko County (66.32) sits between LaGrange County (62.40) to the north and Johnson County (74.65) to the south, occupying middle ground regionally. All three counties share elevated tornado and earthquake vulnerabilities that dominate the northern Indiana landscape.
Tornadoes lead; hurricanes rising
Tornado risk at 85.94 represents Kosciusko County's primary hazard, with the county experiencing nearly as much exposure as Johnson County's 89.31. Hurricane risk at 41.59 is notably elevated—the second-highest among county hazards—making tropical storm preparation increasingly important.
Invest in storm and wind coverage
Kosciusko County residents should prioritize comprehensive homeowners policies with robust tornado, hail, and wind damage provisions given the 85.94 tornado score. Consider flood insurance as well, since the 63.68 flood risk suggests meaningful precipitation and drainage concerns.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Kosciusko County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Kosciusko County
Risk Verdict
Kosciusko County's FEMA risk score places it at the 66th percentile nationally, indicating lower-than-typical exposure for a U.S. county. A moderate composite score often means one or two hazard categories are doing the heavy lifting — knowing which ones matters for preparation.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Kosciusko County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 86th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 68th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (64th percentile), hurricane (42th percentile), wildfire (24th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Tornado exposure at the 86th percentile nationally makes Kosciusko County a county where a battery-powered weather radio — not just smartphone apps — is a worthwhile household investment, given that mobile networks often fail during severe storms. Alongside tornado exposure, earthquake at the 68th percentile nationally means Kosciusko County households face multi-hazard severe-weather seasons that benefit from a single integrated emergency plan covering both threats. In Kosciusko County, tornado watches indicate favorable atmospheric conditions while warnings mean rotation has been detected — households benefit from understanding this distinction so they shelter immediately on a warning, not after seeking visual confirmation.
Regional Context
The Indiana county average is 20.8 composite points below Kosciusko County's score, a gap that reflects the county's elevated position in the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for Kosciusko County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Kosciusko County, IN?
What types of natural hazards affect Kosciusko County?
How does Kosciusko County risk compare to the Indiana average?
Is Kosciusko County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Kosciusko 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.