Putnam County Disaster Risk
Putnam County, Indiana
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
43th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#46
of 92 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
48th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 48% 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 63% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 69% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 19% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Putnam County, Indiana
Putnam faces moderate national disaster risk
With a composite risk score of 42.84, Putnam County rates as "Relatively Low" but sits slightly below the national average, indicating moderate hazard exposure. Tornado risk is particularly elevated at 63.04, well above typical national levels.
Below-average risk among Indiana counties
Putnam County's 42.84 score falls below Indiana's state average of 45.52, placing it in the safer half of Indiana's 92 counties. However, its tornado risk significantly outpaces the state norm.
Tornadoes exceed nearby county risks
Putnam County's tornado risk of 63.04 is notably higher than many neighboring counties, reflecting its location in Indiana's tornado-prone corridor. Its flood risk of 48.12 is moderate and fairly typical for central Indiana.
Tornadoes and earthquakes need attention
Tornado risk at 63.04 is Putnam County's most significant hazard, making a weather radio and interior shelter plan essential for all residents. Earthquake risk of 69.31 is also elevated; residents should secure furniture and know safe zones in their homes.
Prepare for tornadoes and quakes
Putnam County residents should verify their homeowners insurance covers wind and hail damage from tornadoes, as this is standard coverage. Earthquake insurance should be considered given the 69.31 risk score, and families should practice tornado drills seasonally.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Putnam County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Putnam County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard pressure in Putnam County is below the national midpoint, with a composite score at the 43th percentile. Even at the 43th percentile, Putnam County's composite score reflects real hazard exposure categories — knowing which ones apply locally enables targeted, efficient household preparedness.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Putnam County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 69th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 63th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (48th percentile), hurricane (19th percentile), wildfire (10th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Earthquake exposure at the 69th percentile nationally puts Putnam 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. The county's tornado risk at the 63th percentile nationally is a seasonal consideration alongside the year-round earthquake threat, requiring awareness of both hazard types. Putnam 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
Putnam County's risk score is broadly comparable to the Indiana county average, with a 2.7-point gap that places the county near the center of the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for Putnam County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Putnam County, IN?
What types of natural hazards affect Putnam County?
How does Putnam County risk compare to the Indiana average?
Is Putnam County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Putnam 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.