LaPorte County, Indiana Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · IN
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 79th
LaPorte County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 78.9, 79th national percentile), driven primarily by cold wave and tornado exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $38M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates LaPorte County at low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 78.9 out of 100 — placing it in the 79th 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 cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at High risk — $10M in expected annual loss and about 3.49 events per year; tornado (violently rotating columns of air capable of catastrophic local damage) at High risk — $8M in expected annual loss and about 0.35 events per year; and hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Medium risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 2.97 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $38M in expected annual loss for a population of 112K.
Beyond physical exposure, LaPorte County has a medium 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.
The federal record bears this out: LaPorte County has received 17 federal disaster declarations since 1965, including 6 for severe storm events and 3 for flood events. The most recent was Severe Winter Storm (winter storm), declared in January 2026.
Among 92 Indiana counties, LaPorte County ranks #12 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Cold Wave | High | 3.49 / yr | $10M |
| Tornado | High | 0.35 / yr | $8M |
| Hail | Medium | 2.97 / yr | $1M |
| Winter Weather | Medium | 17.88 / yr | $172K |
| Riverine Flood | Medium | 0.36 / yr | $15M |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 4.99 / yr | $947K |
| Earthquake | Low | 0.00 / yr | $745K |
| Heat Wave | Low | 4.00 / yr | $768K |
| Lightning | Medium | 42.12 / yr | $425K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.12 / yr | $2K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 1.21 / yr | $69K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $18K |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $4K |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $11K |
| Avalanche | 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
LaPorte County has received 17 federal disaster declarations since 1965, most recently Severe Winter Storm in January 2026. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (6), Flood (3), Snowstorm (3).
| 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 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 |
| January 2005 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storms and Flooding |
Showing the 10 most recent of 17 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for LaPorte County?
LaPorte County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 78.9 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 79th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in LaPorte County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Cold Wave (High, $10M EAL), Tornado (High, $8M EAL), Hail (Medium, $1M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does LaPorte County compare to other Indiana counties?
LaPorte County ranks #12 of 92 Indiana counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has LaPorte County had?
FEMA records 17 federal disaster declarations for LaPorte County since 1965, most often 6 for severe storm events and 3 for flood 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. LaPorte County's $38M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.