Clinton County, Indiana Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · IN
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 31th
Clinton County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 30.5, 31th national percentile), driven primarily by hail and strong wind exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $11M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Overall natural disaster risk in Clinton County is very low, with a National Risk Index score of 30.5 out of 100 — placing it in the 31st national percentile and among the lowest-risk counties in the country. The score blends Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across all 18 FEMA hazard types.
The county's risk is driven primarily by hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Medium risk — $718K in expected annual loss and about 4.32 events per year; strong wind (damaging straight-line winds outside of tornadoes and hurricanes) at Medium risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 5.00 events per year; and drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Medium risk — $436K in expected annual loss and about 1.26 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $11M in expected annual loss for a population of 33K.
Beyond physical exposure, Clinton County has a low social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a high community resilience rating (its capacity to prepare for and recover from disasters). A less vulnerable population paired with strong resilience helps the community absorb and recover from events.
The federal record bears this out: Clinton County has received 15 federal disaster declarations since 1965, including 5 for severe storm events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Severe Winter Storm (winter storm), declared in January 2026.
Among 92 Indiana counties, Clinton County ranks #64 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Hail | Medium | 4.32 / yr | $718K |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 5.00 / yr | $1M |
| Drought | Medium | 1.26 / yr | $436K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 9.84 / yr | $103K |
| Earthquake | Low | 0.00 / yr | $499K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 3.68 / yr | $1M |
| Tornado | Low | 0.31 / yr | $2M |
| Heat Wave | Low | 4.37 / yr | $396K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.92 / yr | $49K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 1.18 / yr | $5M |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.07 / yr | $343 |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $11K |
| Lightning | Low | 45.55 / yr | $98K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $2K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Clinton County has received 15 federal disaster declarations since 1965, most recently Severe Winter Storm in January 2026. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (5), Biological (2), Snowstorm (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| January 2026 | Winter Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| April 2023 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, and Tornadoes |
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| April 2014 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm |
| March 2007 | Snowstorm | Snow |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| January 2005 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storms and Flooding |
| June 2004 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| July 2003 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
Showing the 10 most recent of 15 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Clinton County?
Clinton County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 30.5 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 31th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Clinton County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Hail (Medium, $718K EAL), Strong Wind (Medium, $1M EAL), Drought (Medium, $436K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Clinton County compare to other Indiana counties?
Clinton County ranks #64 of 92 Indiana counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Clinton County had?
FEMA records 15 federal disaster declarations for Clinton County since 1965, most often 5 for severe storm events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Severe Winter Storm, declared in January 2026.
What does Expected Annual Loss (EAL) mean?
EAL is FEMA's estimate of average annual dollar losses from natural hazards, calculated from historical event data and exposure models. Clinton County's $11M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.