Steuben County, Indiana Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · IN
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 27th
Steuben County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 27.2, 27th national percentile), driven primarily by hail and strong wind exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $10M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Steuben County at very low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 27.2 out of 100 — placing it in the 27th 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.
Risk here concentrates in hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Low risk — $540K in expected annual loss and about 3.09 events per year; strong wind (damaging straight-line winds outside of tornadoes and hurricanes) at Medium risk — $887K in expected annual loss and about 5.30 events per year; and tornado (violently rotating columns of air capable of catastrophic local damage) at Low risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 0.16 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $10M in expected annual loss for a population of 34K.
Beyond physical exposure, Steuben 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: Steuben County has received 12 federal disaster declarations since 1965, including 4 for snowstorm events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Severe Winter Storm (winter storm), declared in January 2026.
Among 92 Indiana counties, Steuben County ranks #67 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Hail | Low | 3.09 / yr | $540K |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 5.30 / yr | $887K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.16 / yr | $2M |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.10 / yr | $2K |
| Drought | Low | 1.53 / yr | $195K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $219K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 3.32 / yr | $730K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 1.46 / yr | $56K |
| Lightning | Low | 38.04 / yr | $171K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 0.29 / yr | $5M |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.02 / yr | $14K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 3.79 / yr | $125K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 12.11 / yr | $26K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $5K |
| 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
Steuben County has received 12 federal disaster declarations since 1965, most recently Severe Winter Storm in January 2026. Most frequent causes: Snowstorm (4), Biological (2), Tornado (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 2001 | Snowstorm | Snow |
| January 1999 | Snowstorm | In-Winter Storm 12/23/98 |
| July 1996 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| January 1991 | Flood | Severe Storms & Flooding |
| February 1977 | Snowstorm | Snowstorms |
Showing the 10 most recent of 12 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Steuben County?
Steuben County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 27.2 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 27th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Steuben County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Hail (Low, $540K EAL), Strong Wind (Medium, $887K EAL), Tornado (Low, $2M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Steuben County compare to other Indiana counties?
Steuben County ranks #67 of 92 Indiana counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Steuben County had?
FEMA records 12 federal disaster declarations for Steuben County since 1965, most often 4 for snowstorm 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. Steuben County's $10M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.