Fountain County, Indiana Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · IN
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 21th
Fountain County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 21.2, 21th national percentile), driven primarily by lightning and cold wave exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $8M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Fountain County carries a very low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 21.2 out of 100 — placing it in the 21st 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.
Most of Fountain County's expected losses come from lightning (electrical discharges from storms that ignite fires and cause casualties) at Medium risk — $493K in expected annual loss and about 47.18 events per year; cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at Medium risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 3.68 events per year; and drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Low risk — $355K in expected annual loss and about 1.56 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $8M in expected annual loss for a population of 16K.
Beyond physical exposure, Fountain County has a low social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a medium community resilience rating (its capacity to prepare for and recover from disasters). Both measures sit toward the lower end, indicating relatively modest population sensitivity.
The county's disaster history tells the same story: Fountain County has received 11 federal disaster declarations since 1991, including 4 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, Fountain County ranks #77 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Lightning | Medium | 47.18 / yr | $493K |
| Cold Wave | Medium | 3.68 / yr | $2M |
| Drought | Low | 1.56 / yr | $355K |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 4.47 / yr | $743K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.11 / yr | $2K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $380K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 9.58 / yr | $79K |
| Hail | Low | 3.48 / yr | $281K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 4.53 / yr | $223K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.33 / yr | $810K |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.03 / yr | $14K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.81 / yr | $24K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 3.57 / yr | $3M |
| 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
Fountain County has received 11 federal disaster declarations since 1991, most recently Severe Winter Storm in January 2026. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (4), Biological (2), Snowstorm (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| January 2026 | Winter Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| June 2008 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes |
| 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 |
| January 1999 | Snowstorm | In-Winter Storm 12/23/98 |
Showing the 10 most recent of 11 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Fountain County?
Fountain County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 21.2 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 21th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Fountain County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Lightning (Medium, $493K EAL), Cold Wave (Medium, $2M EAL), Drought (Low, $355K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Fountain County compare to other Indiana counties?
Fountain County ranks #77 of 92 Indiana counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Fountain County had?
FEMA records 11 federal disaster declarations for Fountain County since 1991, most often 4 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. Fountain County's $8M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.