Tippecanoe County Disaster Risk
Tippecanoe County, Indiana
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
82th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#9
of 92 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
80th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 80% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 29% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 83% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 80% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 44% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Tippecanoe County, Indiana
Tippecanoe faces elevated national risk
Tippecanoe County's composite risk score of 81.84 earns a Relatively Moderate rating, nearly double Indiana's state average of 45.52. The county experiences significantly higher exposure to multiple natural hazards than most U.S. communities.
Among Indiana's highest-risk counties
Tippecanoe County ranks in the top tier of Indiana's 92 counties for disaster risk, with the third-highest composite score statewide. Only a handful of Indiana counties face comparable cumulative hazard exposure.
Notably riskier than surrounding areas
Tippecanoe County's 81.84 score far exceeds neighboring Starke County (24.94) and Steuben County (27.19), making it a significant regional outlier. The county's central location and water systems contribute to elevated risk levels.
Floods and tornadoes dominate threats
Tornado risk reaches 83.33 in Tippecanoe County while flood risk scores 79.71, creating a two-front hazard challenge. Earthquake (80.34) and hurricane (43.64) risks further compound the county's multi-hazard exposure.
Secure comprehensive disaster coverage
Tippecanoe County residents should maintain robust homeowners and flood insurance given the critical tornado (83.33) and flood (79.71) risk scores. A FEMA-rated safe room and family emergency plan are essential protections.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Tippecanoe County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Tippecanoe County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard risk in Tippecanoe County is higher than the majority of U.S. counties, with a national composite rank of 82th. Tippecanoe County's elevated composite score reflects cumulative multi-hazard exposure; households should prepare for the county's two or three primary hazard types.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Tippecanoe County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 83th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 80th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (80th percentile), hurricane (44th percentile), wildfire (29th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Ranked at the 83th percentile nationally for tornado risk, Tippecanoe County is in a zone where storm shelters have the highest per-dollar protective value of any mitigation investment. Tippecanoe County's county shelter map is typically available through the local emergency management office. Alongside tornado exposure, earthquake at the 80th percentile nationally means Tippecanoe County households face multi-hazard severe-weather seasons that benefit from a single integrated emergency plan covering both threats. Tippecanoe 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
A composite score 36.3 points above the Indiana state average puts Tippecanoe County in a higher-risk category than most counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Tippecanoe County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Tippecanoe County, IN?
What types of natural hazards affect Tippecanoe County?
How does Tippecanoe County risk compare to the Indiana average?
Is Tippecanoe County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Tippecanoe 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.