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

Martin County Disaster Risk

Martin County, Indiana

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

12th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#83

of 92 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

28th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Very Low

Higher than 28% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Very Low

Higher than 3% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Very Low

Higher than 35% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 55% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Very Low

Higher than 13% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Martin County, Indiana

Martin County enjoys very low risk

Martin County's composite risk score of 12.31 places it among the lowest-risk counties in the nation, far below Indiana's state average of 45.52. All hazard categories remain notably restrained, with wildfire risk at just 2.61 and hurricane risk at 13.31. This favorable profile reflects Martin County's relative insulation from major natural disaster threats.

One of Indiana's safest counties

Martin County ranks among Indiana's lowest-risk regions with a composite score of 12.31, substantially below the state average of 45.52. Only Newton County (11.67) rivals it for the safest profile in the state. Residents here face considerably lower natural disaster exposure than the vast majority of their Indiana neighbors.

The safest area in its region

Martin County's 12.31 score is the lowest in its vicinity, outdone only by Newton County (11.67) statewide, and substantially safer than Miami County (52.80) and Monroe County (75.99) to the north. The county's southern location and terrain create a particularly favorable risk profile. No nearby county approaches Martin County's low hazard exposure.

Minimal hazards, earthquakes lead slightly

Even Martin County's highest risk category—earthquake at 54.99—remains well below statewide concern levels. Tornado and flood risks round out the profile at 34.73 and 28.28 respectively, all quite manageable. Compared to other Indiana regions, Martin County faces remarkably low natural disaster vulnerability.

Standard insurance provides solid protection

Martin County residents can rely on standard homeowners insurance to cover the vast majority of natural disaster scenarios, with no urgent need for specialized add-ons. Basic tornado and flood awareness remains prudent, though neither represents acute concern in this county. Annual policy reviews ensure coverage remains current without requiring expensive upgrades.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Martin County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    EarthquakePrepare
    55th percentile
  2. #2
    TornadoPrepare
    35th percentile
  3. #3
    FloodPrepare
    28th percentile

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

Risk Advisory: Martin County

Risk Verdict

Natural disaster exposure in Martin County is lower than roughly three-quarters of U.S. counties, with a composite score at the 12th percentile. Martin County residents can take confidence from a 12th percentile ranking, but even lower-risk counties benefit from a practiced household communication plan and awareness of the specific hazards listed above.

Hazard Breakdown

Earthquake risk is Martin County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 55th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 35th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (28th percentile), hurricane (13th percentile), wildfire (3th percentile).

Preparedness Context

At the 55th percentile nationally for earthquake risk, Martin 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. Tornado at the 35th percentile nationally is a separate hazard dimension for Martin County that requires different protective strategies from earthquake preparedness. For Martin 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

Martin County is 33.2 composite risk points below the Indiana state mean, meaning most other Indiana counties face higher natural hazard exposure.

Is your household prepared for Martin 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 Martin County, IN?
Martin County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Very Low, placing it in the 12th 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 Martin County?
Martin County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: earthquake (55th percentile), tornado (35th percentile), flooding (28th percentile), hurricane (13th percentile), wildfire (3th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is earthquake at the 55th 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 Martin County risk compare to the Indiana average?
Martin County's composite risk percentile is 12th, compared to the Indiana state average of 46th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Martin County faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in Indiana.
Is Martin County at risk for earthquake?
Yes, Martin County's earthquake risk is at the 55th percentile nationally. This is above the national median. For flooding specifically, Martin County is at the 28th 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 Martin County a safe place to live?
Martin County's composite risk score of 12th 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 55th 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.