Jasper County, Indiana Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · IN
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 33th
Jasper County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 32.8, 33th national percentile), driven primarily by cold wave and strong wind exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $13M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Jasper County at very low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 32.8 out of 100 — placing it in the 33rd 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 cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at Medium risk — $3M in expected annual loss and about 3.53 events per year; strong wind (damaging straight-line winds outside of tornadoes and hurricanes) at Medium risk — $837K in expected annual loss and about 5.07 events per year; and hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Low risk — $385K in expected annual loss and about 3.29 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $13M in expected annual loss for a population of 33K.
Beyond physical exposure, Jasper County has a very 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.
History supports the rating: Jasper County has received 18 federal disaster declarations since 1991, including 8 for severe storm events and 3 for snowstorm events. The most recent was Severe Winter Storm (winter storm), declared in January 2026.
Among 92 Indiana counties, Jasper County ranks #61 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Cold Wave | Medium | 3.53 / yr | $3M |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 5.07 / yr | $837K |
| Hail | Low | 3.29 / yr | $385K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $364K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.43 / yr | $1M |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 0.75 / yr | $7M |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.10 / yr | $907 |
| Heat Wave | Low | 3.95 / yr | $298K |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.02 / yr | $13K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.84 / yr | $21K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 44.38 / yr | $84K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $8K |
| Winter Weather | Very Low | 10.63 / yr | $4K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Drought | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Jasper County has received 18 federal disaster declarations since 1991, most recently Severe Winter Storm in January 2026. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (8), Snowstorm (3), Biological (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| January 2026 | Winter Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| May 2018 | Flood | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| April 2014 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm |
| April 2009 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| September 2008 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| January 2008 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| March 2007 | Snowstorm | Snow |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
Showing the 10 most recent of 18 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Jasper County?
Jasper County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 32.8 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 33th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Jasper County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Cold Wave (Medium, $3M EAL), Strong Wind (Medium, $837K EAL), Hail (Low, $385K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Jasper County compare to other Indiana counties?
Jasper County ranks #61 of 92 Indiana counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Jasper County had?
FEMA records 18 federal disaster declarations for Jasper County since 1991, most often 8 for severe storm events and 3 for snowstorm 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. Jasper County's $13M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.