Parke County Disaster Risk
Parke County, Indiana
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
28th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#66
of 92 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
34th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 34% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 10% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 47% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 63% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 26% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Parke County, Indiana
Parke County: Well Below Average Risk
Parke County's composite risk score of 27.58 places it firmly in the Very Low category, sitting well below Indiana's 45.52 average. This favorable position reflects one of the state's safer counties for natural disaster exposure overall.
Among Indiana's Safest Counties
Parke County ranks in Indiana's lower quartile for disaster risk among the state's 92 counties. The county's notably low composite score reflects broad protection from natural hazards, making it one of Indiana's more resilient communities.
Safest County in Its Region
Parke County's 27.58 score runs substantially lower than all neighbors—Noble (44.24), Owen (35.11), and Perry (35.02)—making it the safest in its immediate area. This distinction reflects the county's fortunate position relative to regional hazard patterns.
Tornadoes and Earthquakes Still Matter
Tornado risk reaches 47.49 in Parke County, marking it as the highest hazard despite remaining below state averages. Earthquake risk scores 62.50, reflecting the county's exposure to the broader Midwest seismic zone.
Standard Coverage Likely Sufficient
Ensure your homeowners insurance includes tornado and hail coverage, though the 47.49 tornado risk is more moderate than many counties. Earthquake insurance may be worth evaluating given the 62.50 score, but flooding is minimal concern here.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Parke County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Parke County
Risk Verdict
Parke County carries a low natural disaster risk burden, scoring at the 28th percentile under the FEMA National Risk Index. Parke County residents can take confidence from a 28th 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 Parke County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 63th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 47th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (34th percentile), hurricane (26th percentile), wildfire (10th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Parke County's primary hazard, earthquake, ranks at the 63th percentile nationally. Unreinforced masonry structures carry the highest injury risk during seismic events; residents in older buildings should check with their municipality about available seismic retrofit programs. The county's tornado risk at the 47th percentile nationally is a seasonal consideration alongside the year-round earthquake threat, requiring awareness of both hazard types. After a major earthquake, Parke County residents should expect water service disruption for 24 to 72 or more hours. Storing a minimum of one gallon per person per day for three days — before any event — is the most direct preparedness action households can take.
Regional Context
Compared to the Indiana county average, Parke County's composite score runs 17.9 points lower — a gap that reflects the county's relatively modest hazard profile within its state context.
Is your household prepared for Parke County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Parke County, IN?
What types of natural hazards affect Parke County?
How does Parke County risk compare to the Indiana average?
Is Parke County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Parke 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.