Ripley County Disaster Risk
Ripley County, Indiana
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
47th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#38
of 92 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
54th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 54% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 8% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 79% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 65% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 29% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Ripley County, Indiana
Ripley faces above-average disaster risk
With a composite risk score of 46.79, Ripley County rates as "Relatively Low" but exceeds the national average, indicating moderate natural hazard exposure. Tornado risk at 79.45 is notably elevated and deserves serious attention.
Slightly riskier than typical Indiana county
Ripley County's 46.79 score is above Indiana's state average of 45.52, placing it in the higher-risk half of the state's counties. Its tornado risk is among the highest in Indiana, reflecting geographic vulnerability.
Tornado risk outpaces surrounding areas
Ripley County's tornado risk of 79.45 is significantly higher than neighboring Franklin and Decatur counties, making it the most tornado-prone county in its immediate region. Its flood risk of 53.82 is also above regional norms due to proximity to the Ohio River.
Tornadoes pose exceptional regional threat
With a tornado risk score of 79.45, Ripley County faces one of Indiana's highest tornado threats; residents must prioritize severe weather preparedness. Earthquake risk of 65.36 adds secondary concern, particularly for older homes and structures.
Tornado safety is non-negotiable
Ripley County residents should identify or build a safe room—an interior, windowless space on the lowest floor—and drill access regularly. Ensure homeowners insurance covers wind and hail, and maintain a weather radio to receive emergency warnings immediately when storms approach.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Ripley County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Ripley County
Risk Verdict
Ripley County has a below-average natural disaster risk profile, scoring at the 47th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. At the 47th percentile, Ripley County's risk profile is among the more manageable in the country — the hazard-specific breakdown above shows where any remaining preparedness focus is best directed.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Ripley County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 79th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 65th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (54th percentile), hurricane (29th percentile), wildfire (8th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Tornado risk is Ripley County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 79th percentile nationally. For Ripley County households, the most protective action available is identifying a reinforced interior room on the lowest floor — a bathroom, closet, or central hallway away from windows. Earthquake is the second hazard driver for Ripley County at the 65th percentile nationally, meaning households should maintain awareness of both severe-weather and earthquake-specific warning systems. A battery-powered NOAA All Hazards weather radio with an auto-alert tone is the highest-leverage single item for tornado preparedness in Ripley County, since it delivers warnings even when power is out and phone networks are congested.
Regional Context
At just 1.3 composite points from the Indiana average, Ripley County's natural disaster risk is closely in line with its in-state peers.
Is your household prepared for Ripley County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Ripley County, IN?
What types of natural hazards affect Ripley County?
How does Ripley County risk compare to the Indiana average?
Is Ripley County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Ripley County higher risk than average?
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.