Scott County Disaster Risk
Scott County, Indiana
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
22th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#76
of 92 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
24th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 24% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 6% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 73% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 64% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 20% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Scott County, Indiana
Scott County has below-average disaster risk
With a composite risk score of 22.26, Scott County is rated "Very Low" and sits well below the national average for natural disaster exposure. Exceptionally low flood (23.92) and wildfire (6.14) risks help drive this strong safety profile.
Among Indiana's safest counties
Scott County's 22.26 score is significantly below Indiana's state average of 45.52, placing it in the safest tier of Indiana's counties. Its overall risk rank is in the bottom third statewide.
Safe compared to eastern neighbors
Scott County's risk profile is noticeably lower than neighboring Clark and Jefferson counties, which face higher tornado and earthquake exposures. Its tornado risk of 72.65 is elevated within the county but still moderate compared to state leaders like Ripley.
Tornado is the primary seasonal concern
Tornado risk at 72.65 is Scott County's most significant hazard and should drive spring severe weather preparedness throughout the county. Earthquake risk of 64.12 is moderate but lower than many Indiana counties.
Standard coverage handles most risks
Scott County's low overall risk profile means most residents can rely on standard homeowners insurance without additional specialty policies. Maintain a weather radio and simple tornado plan as basic annual preparation for spring storm season.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Scott County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Scott County
Risk Verdict
Natural disaster exposure in Scott County is lower than roughly three-quarters of U.S. counties, with a composite score at the 22th percentile. Residents of Scott County can use the 22th percentile ranking as a baseline, while recognizing that individual properties may still lie in specific hazard zones that differ from the county average.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Scott County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 73th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 64th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (24th percentile), hurricane (20th percentile), wildfire (6th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Ranked at the 73th percentile nationally for tornado risk, Scott County is in a zone where storm shelters have the highest per-dollar protective value of any mitigation investment. Scott County's county shelter map is typically available through the local emergency management office. Earthquake is the second hazard driver for Scott County at the 64th percentile nationally, meaning households should maintain awareness of both severe-weather and earthquake-specific warning systems. Scott County residents can check the county's emergency management website for community shelter locations nearest their address — a step worth completing now, not during a warning.
Regional Context
Scott County is 23.3 composite risk points below the Indiana state mean, meaning most other Indiana counties face higher natural hazard exposure.
Is your household prepared for Scott County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Scott County, IN?
What types of natural hazards affect Scott County?
How does Scott County risk compare to the Indiana average?
Is Scott County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Scott 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.