Pulaski County Disaster Risk
Pulaski County, Indiana
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
11th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#86
of 92 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
18th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 18% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 2% 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 43% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 31% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Pulaski County, Indiana
Pulaski has remarkably low disaster risk
With a composite risk score of just 11.20, Pulaski County ranks among the safest counties nationally and is rated "Very Low" for natural disaster risk. This score reflects well below-average exposure to most major hazards, making it one of Indiana's safer communities.
Safest county in Indiana
Pulaski County's 11.20 score is dramatically below Indiana's state average of 45.52, making it the lowest-risk county in the state by a significant margin. Residents enjoy substantially lower overall disaster exposure compared to typical Indiana counties.
Notably safer than surrounding counties
Pulaski County's risk profile is considerably lower than adjacent counties like Starke and Marshall, which face moderate tornado and flood hazards. The county's 1.94 wildfire risk and 18.35 flood risk are among the state's lowest.
Tornado risk requires routine preparedness
Even though Pulaski County is very safe overall, tornadoes represent the relative highest risk at 34.64, which is still well below national norms. Residents should maintain basic severe weather awareness during spring months, though risk is modest compared to other Indiana counties.
Standard coverage is usually sufficient
Pulaski County's very low risk profile means most residents can rely on standard homeowners insurance without additional disaster-specific policies. However, regular home maintenance and a basic emergency plan remain prudent even in low-risk areas.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Pulaski County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Pulaski County
Risk Verdict
Pulaski County sits in the lower tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure, ranked at the 11th percentile nationally. The 11th percentile national ranking is one lens; Pulaski County residents also benefit from reviewing which specific hazard types drive the county's composite score and preparing accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Pulaski County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 43th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 35th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (31th percentile), flood (18th percentile), wildfire (2th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 43th percentile nationally for earthquake exposure, Pulaski County households benefit from practicing Drop, Cover, and Hold On — the protocol that minimizes injury during shaking. Getting under a sturdy table or desk and holding on until shaking stops is the key action. Tornado at the 35th percentile nationally is a separate hazard dimension for Pulaski County that requires different protective strategies from earthquake preparedness. Building age matters for earthquake risk in Pulaski County: structures built before local seismic code adoption are statistically more vulnerable. Contacting the local building department about retrofit programs can reveal whether your structure qualifies for mitigation assistance.
Regional Context
Pulaski County falls 34.3 points below Indiana's typical county risk level, making it one of the safer natural-hazard environments in the state.
Is your household prepared for Pulaski County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Pulaski County, IN?
What types of natural hazards affect Pulaski County?
How does Pulaski County risk compare to the Indiana average?
Is Pulaski County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Pulaski 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.