Switzerland County Disaster Risk
Switzerland County, Indiana
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
12th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#85
of 92 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
22th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 22% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 3% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 49% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 31% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 11% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Switzerland County, Indiana
Switzerland County ranks lowest nationally
Switzerland County's composite risk score of 11.61 represents one of the lowest disaster risk profiles in the nation and is less than one-quarter of Indiana's state average of 45.52. The county offers exceptional protection from cumulative natural hazards.
Indiana's safest county by risk score
Switzerland County ranks as one of the absolute safest counties in Indiana's 92-county system, with the lowest composite disaster risk statewide. Residents enjoy substantially lower multi-hazard exposure than virtually all other Hoosier communities.
Clear regional safety leader
Switzerland County (11.61) stands as the safest in its south-central Indiana region, outpacing Sullivan County (20.64) and Spencer County (39.41). The county's geographic isolation and terrain create exceptional natural hazard protection.
Tornado risk is the primary concern
Tornado risk scores 49.17 in Switzerland County, the only moderate hazard exposure, while all other risks remain minimal. Flood (21.53), hurricane (10.93), wildfire (3.02), and earthquake (31.33) risks are all low to very low.
Maintain basic tornado readiness
Switzerland County homeowners should carry standard homeowners insurance with tornado coverage, though risk levels here are among the lowest statewide. A basement safe space provides added security during the occasional severe storm.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Switzerland County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Switzerland County
Risk Verdict
Compared to the nation's 3,144 counties, Switzerland County ranks at the 12th percentile for natural disaster risk — toward the safer end of the spectrum. A preparedness foundation — alert registration, household communication plan, and a basic supply review — costs little and remains valuable even at Switzerland County's favorable 12th percentile ranking.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Switzerland County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 49th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 31th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (22th percentile), hurricane (11th percentile), wildfire (3th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Tornado exposure at the 49th percentile nationally makes Switzerland County a county where a battery-powered weather radio — not just smartphone apps — is a worthwhile household investment, given that mobile networks often fail during severe storms. Earthquake is the second hazard driver for Switzerland County at the 31th percentile nationally, meaning households should maintain awareness of both severe-weather and earthquake-specific warning systems. In Switzerland County, tornado watches indicate favorable atmospheric conditions while warnings mean rotation has been detected — households benefit from understanding this distinction so they shelter immediately on a warning, not after seeking visual confirmation.
Regional Context
At 33.9 points below the Indiana state average, Switzerland County is among the lower-risk counties in the state for natural disaster exposure.
Is your household prepared for Switzerland County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Switzerland County, IN?
What types of natural hazards affect Switzerland County?
How does Switzerland County risk compare to the Indiana average?
Is Switzerland County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Switzerland 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.