Miami County, Indiana Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · IN
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 53th
Miami County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 52.8, 53th national percentile), driven primarily by strong wind and hail exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $16M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Miami County at low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 52.8 out of 100 — placing it in the 53rd 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 strong wind (damaging straight-line winds outside of tornadoes and hurricanes) at Medium risk — $963K in expected annual loss and about 5.26 events per year; hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Low risk — $501K in expected annual loss and about 4.01 events per year; and drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Medium risk — $470K in expected annual loss and about 1.94 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $16M in expected annual loss for a population of 36K.
Beyond physical exposure, Miami County has a medium 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.
History supports the rating: Miami County has received 14 federal disaster declarations since 1991, including 5 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, Miami County ranks #32 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Strong Wind | Medium | 5.26 / yr | $963K |
| Hail | Low | 4.01 / yr | $501K |
| Drought | Medium | 1.94 / yr | $470K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 4.00 / yr | $2M |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 0.39 / yr | $10M |
| Tornado | Low | 0.28 / yr | $2M |
| Winter Weather | Low | 9.53 / yr | $69K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $323K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.08 / yr | $1K |
| Heat Wave | Low | 5.26 / yr | $363K |
| Lightning | Low | 43.94 / yr | $125K |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.02 / yr | $16K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.88 / yr | $22K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $3K |
| 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
Miami County has received 14 federal disaster declarations since 1991, most recently Severe Winter Storm in January 2026. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (5), 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 |
| 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 2001 | Snowstorm | Snow |
| January 1999 | Snowstorm | In-Winter Storm 12/23/98 |
Showing the 10 most recent of 14 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Miami County?
Miami County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 52.8 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 53th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Miami County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Strong Wind (Medium, $963K EAL), Hail (Low, $501K EAL), Drought (Medium, $470K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Miami County compare to other Indiana counties?
Miami County ranks #32 of 92 Indiana counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Miami County had?
FEMA records 14 federal disaster declarations for Miami County since 1991, most often 5 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. Miami County's $16M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.