Rush County, Indiana Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · IN
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 16th
Rush County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 15.8, 16th national percentile), driven primarily by tornado and earthquake exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $7M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Rush County at very low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 15.8 out of 100 — placing it in the 16th 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 Rush County's expected losses come from tornado (violently rotating columns of air capable of catastrophic local damage) at Low risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 0.29 events per year; earthquake (ground shaking from sudden movement along geologic faults) at Very Low risk — $354K in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year; and drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Low risk — $140K in expected annual loss and about 1.91 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $7M in expected annual loss for a population of 17K.
Beyond physical exposure, Rush 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.
The county's disaster history tells the same story: Rush County has received 15 federal disaster declarations since 1974, 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, Rush County ranks #82 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Tornado | Low | 0.29 / yr | $2M |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $354K |
| Drought | Low | 1.91 / yr | $140K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.85 / yr | $53K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.08 / yr | $585 |
| Hail | Low | 4.48 / yr | $152K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.89 / yr | $4M |
| Strong Wind | Low | 4.14 / yr | $270K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 2.79 / yr | $335K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 47.39 / yr | $86K |
| Winter Weather | Very Low | 9.05 / yr | $22K |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $6K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 4.53 / yr | $44K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $533 |
| 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
Rush County has received 15 federal disaster declarations since 1974, 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 |
| September 2008 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| 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 |
| September 2002 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Tornadoes |
| January 1999 | Snowstorm | In-Winter Storm 12/23/98 |
Showing the 10 most recent of 15 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Rush County?
Rush County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 15.8 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 16th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Rush County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Tornado (Low, $2M EAL), Earthquake (Very Low, $354K EAL), Drought (Low, $140K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Rush County compare to other Indiana counties?
Rush County ranks #82 of 92 Indiana counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Rush County had?
FEMA records 15 federal disaster declarations for Rush County since 1974, 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. Rush County's $7M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.