Owen County Disaster Risk
Owen County, Indiana
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
35th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#57
of 92 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
49th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 49% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 12% 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 61% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 12% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Owen County, Indiana
Owen County: Below-Average Disaster Risk
Owen County's composite risk score of 35.11 places it in the Very Low category, sitting notably below Indiana's 45.52 average. This relatively safe profile offers residents meaningful protection from the full range of natural disaster hazards.
Among Indiana's Lower-Risk Counties
Owen County ranks in the safer half of Indiana's 92 counties for overall disaster risk. The county's below-average composite score reflects consistent protection across most hazard types, with only moderate vulnerability to a few specific threats.
Safer Than Noble, Comparable to Perry
Owen County's 35.11 score runs lower than neighboring Noble (44.24) and sits alongside Perry (35.02) at similar risk levels. The county benefits from being positioned in a relatively protected zone compared to its higher-risk northern neighbors.
Earthquakes and Floods Lead Concerns
Earthquake risk scores highest at 61.16, reflecting Owen County's position near seismic zones affecting the broader region. Flood risk follows at 49.43, making water-related damage a secondary but meaningful threat during heavy rain events.
Focus on Flood and Earthquake Policies
Evaluate earthquake insurance carefully given the 61.16 risk score, particularly if your home sits on unstable soil or in an older structure. Flood insurance is strongly recommended due to the 49.43 flood risk, especially if you're in a mapped flood zone or near streams.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Owen County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Owen County
Risk Verdict
Owen County's overall natural disaster score at the 35th percentile puts it well below the national median for hazard exposure. Owen County's 35th percentile ranking is favorable, though every county carries at least one natural hazard worth knowing — reviewing the specific risks listed above helps households focus their preparedness where it matters most.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Owen County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 61th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 49th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (46th percentile), hurricane (12th percentile), wildfire (12th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Earthquake exposure at the 61th percentile nationally puts Owen County in a zone where utilities — gas, water, electrical — are the most common post-quake hazard. Knowing how to shut off the main gas valve is an important household skill to develop before an event occurs. Flood at the 49th percentile nationally is a separate hazard dimension for Owen County that requires different protective strategies from earthquake preparedness. Owen County households benefit from keeping shoes and a flashlight near the bed — post-earthquake navigation through debris in the dark is a common cause of secondary injury. This low-cost step has outsized protective value.
Regional Context
Owen County's composite risk score sits 10.4 points below the Indiana county average, reflecting a more favorable hazard environment than the state typical.
Is your household prepared for Owen County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Owen County, IN?
What types of natural hazards affect Owen County?
How does Owen County risk compare to the Indiana average?
Is Owen County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Owen County a safe place to live?
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.