Tippecanoe County, Indiana Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · IN
MediumComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 82th
Tippecanoe County faces medium composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 81.8, 82th national percentile), driven primarily by cold wave and winter weather exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $49M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Tippecanoe County at medium composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 81.8 out of 100 — placing it in the 82nd national percentile and near the national midpoint for natural-disaster risk. The score blends Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across all 18 FEMA hazard types.
Most of Tippecanoe County's expected losses come from cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at High risk — $14M in expected annual loss and about 3.68 events per year; winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at High risk — $754K in expected annual loss and about 9.53 events per year; and hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Medium risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 3.62 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $49M in expected annual loss for a population of 186K.
Beyond physical exposure, Tippecanoe 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: Tippecanoe County has received 14 federal disaster declarations since 1974, including 5 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, Tippecanoe County ranks #9 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Cold Wave | High | 3.68 / yr | $14M |
| Winter Weather | High | 9.53 / yr | $754K |
| Hail | Medium | 3.62 / yr | $2M |
| Heat Wave | Medium | 4.58 / yr | $2M |
| Strong Wind | High | 4.72 / yr | $2M |
| Tornado | Medium | 0.41 / yr | $5M |
| Earthquake | Low | 0.00 / yr | $2M |
| Riverine Flood | Medium | 4.14 / yr | $21M |
| Landslide | Low | 0.11 / yr | $5K |
| Lightning | Medium | 45.83 / yr | $459K |
| Ice Storm | Medium | 0.78 / yr | $164K |
| Drought | Low | 1.07 / yr | $240K |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.03 / yr | $44K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $14K |
| 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
Tippecanoe County has received 14 federal disaster declarations since 1974, most recently Severe Winter Storm in January 2026. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (5), Biological (2), Snowstorm (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| January 2026 | Winter Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| June 2008 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes |
| 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 |
| June 2004 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| July 2003 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
Showing the 10 most recent of 14 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Tippecanoe County?
Tippecanoe County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 81.8 out of 100, placing it in the Medium category and the 82th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Tippecanoe County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Cold Wave (High, $14M EAL), Winter Weather (High, $754K EAL), Hail (Medium, $2M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Tippecanoe County compare to other Indiana counties?
Tippecanoe County ranks #9 of 92 Indiana counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a medium rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Tippecanoe County had?
FEMA records 14 federal disaster declarations for Tippecanoe County since 1974, most often 5 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. Tippecanoe County's $49M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.