Dubois County, Indiana Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · IN
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 59th
Dubois County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 59.1, 59th national percentile), driven primarily by earthquake and strong wind exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $23M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Dubois County at low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 59.1 out of 100 — placing it in the 59th national percentile and below the national average for natural-disaster risk. 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 earthquake (ground shaking from sudden movement along geologic faults) at Low risk — $4M in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year; strong wind (damaging straight-line winds outside of tornadoes and hurricanes) at High risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 5.22 events per year; and winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at Medium risk — $170K in expected annual loss and about 8.89 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $23M in expected annual loss for a population of 44K.
Beyond physical exposure, Dubois County has a low social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a very 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.
History supports the rating: Dubois County has received 16 federal disaster declarations since 1979, including 9 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, Dubois County ranks #27 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Earthquake | Low | 0.00 / yr | $4M |
| Strong Wind | High | 5.22 / yr | $2M |
| Winter Weather | Medium | 8.89 / yr | $170K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 2.36 / yr | $12M |
| Ice Storm | Medium | 0.53 / yr | $175K |
| Heat Wave | Low | 5.89 / yr | $744K |
| Hail | Low | 3.36 / yr | $436K |
| Drought | Low | 4.59 / yr | $332K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.32 / yr | $2M |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.63 / yr | $1K |
| Lightning | Low | 52.09 / yr | $179K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 1.32 / yr | $682K |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $18K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $6K |
| 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
Dubois County has received 16 federal disaster declarations since 1979, most recently Severe Winter Storm in January 2026. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (9), Biological (2), Flood (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| January 2026 | Winter Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| June 2011 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds, and |
| March 2009 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| September 2008 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| January 2005 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storms and Flooding |
| January 2005 | Snowstorm | Snow |
| September 2004 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding |
Showing the 10 most recent of 16 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Dubois County?
Dubois County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 59.1 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 59th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Dubois County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Earthquake (Low, $4M EAL), Strong Wind (High, $2M EAL), Winter Weather (Medium, $170K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Dubois County compare to other Indiana counties?
Dubois County ranks #27 of 92 Indiana counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Dubois County had?
FEMA records 16 federal disaster declarations for Dubois County since 1979, most often 9 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. Dubois County's $23M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.