Monroe County, Indiana Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · IN
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 76th
Monroe County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 76.0, 76th national percentile), driven primarily by strong wind and winter weather exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $38M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Monroe County carries a low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 76.0 out of 100 — placing it in the 76th 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 High risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 4.91 events per year; winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at High risk — $413K in expected annual loss and about 8.26 events per year; and earthquake (ground shaking from sudden movement along geologic faults) at Low risk — $4M in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $38M in expected annual loss for a population of 140K.
Beyond physical exposure, Monroe County has a 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: Monroe County has received 16 federal disaster declarations since 1977, including 8 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, Monroe County ranks #16 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Strong Wind | High | 4.91 / yr | $2M |
| Winter Weather | High | 8.26 / yr | $413K |
| Earthquake | Low | 0.00 / yr | $4M |
| Heat Wave | Medium | 5.63 / yr | $2M |
| Tornado | Medium | 0.30 / yr | $5M |
| Riverine Flood | Medium | 1.57 / yr | $22M |
| Hail | Medium | 3.95 / yr | $730K |
| Ice Storm | Medium | 0.52 / yr | $179K |
| Lightning | Medium | 50.15 / yr | $388K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 1.74 / yr | $1M |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.72 / yr | $2K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $16K |
| Drought | Very Low | 2.97 / yr | $24K |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $9K |
| 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
Monroe County has received 16 federal disaster declarations since 1977, most recently Severe Winter Storm in January 2026. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (8), Biological (2), Snowstorm (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| January 2026 | Winter Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| April 2023 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, and Tornadoes |
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| June 2011 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds, and |
| June 2008 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| January 2005 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storms and Flooding |
| January 2005 | Snowstorm | Snow |
| June 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 Monroe County?
Monroe County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 76.0 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 76th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Monroe County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Strong Wind (High, $2M EAL), Winter Weather (High, $413K EAL), Earthquake (Low, $4M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Monroe County compare to other Indiana counties?
Monroe County ranks #16 of 92 Indiana counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Monroe County had?
FEMA records 16 federal disaster declarations for Monroe County since 1977, most often 8 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. Monroe County's $38M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.