Sullivan County, Indiana Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · IN
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 21th
Sullivan County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 20.6, 21th national percentile), driven primarily by earthquake and drought exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $8M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Sullivan County carries a very low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 20.6 out of 100 — placing it in the 21st 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.
The county's risk is driven primarily by earthquake (ground shaking from sudden movement along geologic faults) at Low risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year; drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Low risk — $239K in expected annual loss and about 2.24 events per year; and landslide (downhill movement of rock, soil, and debris on unstable slopes) at Very Low risk — $2K in expected annual loss and about 0.23 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $8M in expected annual loss for a population of 21K.
Beyond physical exposure, Sullivan 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 federal record bears this out: Sullivan County has received 19 federal disaster declarations since 1977, including 10 for severe storm events and 3 for flood events. The most recent was Severe Winter Storm (winter storm), declared in January 2026.
Among 92 Indiana counties, Sullivan County ranks #78 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Earthquake | Low | 0.00 / yr | $1M |
| Drought | Low | 2.24 / yr | $239K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.23 / yr | $2K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 7.58 / yr | $75K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 4.34 / yr | $596K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.31 / yr | $1M |
| Heat Wave | Low | 6.11 / yr | $350K |
| Hail | Low | 3.12 / yr | $241K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 1.58 / yr | $696K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.56 / yr | $49K |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.02 / yr | $9K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 3.57 / yr | $3M |
| Lightning | Very Low | 49.85 / yr | $42K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $1K |
| 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
Sullivan County has received 19 federal disaster declarations since 1977, most recently Severe Winter Storm in January 2026. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (10), Flood (3), Biological (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 |
| April 2014 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm |
| 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 |
Showing the 10 most recent of 19 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Sullivan County?
Sullivan County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 20.6 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 21th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Sullivan County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Earthquake (Low, $1M EAL), Drought (Low, $239K EAL), Landslide (Very Low, $2K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Sullivan County compare to other Indiana counties?
Sullivan County ranks #78 of 92 Indiana counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Sullivan County had?
FEMA records 19 federal disaster declarations for Sullivan County since 1977, most often 10 for severe storm events and 3 for flood 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. Sullivan County's $8M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.