Newton County, Indiana Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · IN
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 12th
Newton County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 11.7, 12th national percentile), driven primarily by cold wave and earthquake exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $6M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Newton County carries a very low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 11.7 out of 100 — placing it in the 12th 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 Newton County's expected losses come from cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at Low risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 3.53 events per year; earthquake (ground shaking from sudden movement along geologic faults) at Very Low risk — $226K in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year; and hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Low risk — $189K in expected annual loss and about 3.33 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $6M in expected annual loss for a population of 14K.
Beyond physical exposure, Newton 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: Newton County has received 18 federal disaster declarations since 1977, including 7 for severe storm events and 4 for snowstorm events. The most recent was Severe Winter Storm (winter storm), declared in January 2026.
Among 92 Indiana counties, Newton County ranks #84 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Cold Wave | Low | 3.53 / yr | $2M |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $226K |
| Hail | Low | 3.33 / yr | $189K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 5.06 / yr | $364K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.32 / yr | $658K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.07 / yr | $314 |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 4.00 / yr | $130K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.71 / yr | $3M |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $5K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.82 / yr | $8K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $4K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 44.78 / yr | $37K |
| Winter Weather | Very Low | 10.05 / yr | $3K |
| 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
Newton County has received 18 federal disaster declarations since 1977, most recently Severe Winter Storm in January 2026. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (7), Snowstorm (4), 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 |
| 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 18 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Newton County?
Newton County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 11.7 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 12th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Newton County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Cold Wave (Low, $2M EAL), Earthquake (Very Low, $226K EAL), Hail (Low, $189K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Newton County compare to other Indiana counties?
Newton County ranks #84 of 92 Indiana counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Newton County had?
FEMA records 18 federal disaster declarations for Newton County since 1977, most often 7 for severe storm events and 4 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. Newton County's $6M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.