Warren County, Indiana Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · IN
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 6th
Warren County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 5.8, 6th national percentile), driven primarily by landslide and cold wave exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $4M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Warren County carries a very low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 5.8 out of 100 — placing it in the 6th 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 landslide (downhill movement of rock, soil, and debris on unstable slopes) at Very Low risk — $2K in expected annual loss and about 0.09 events per year; cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at Low risk — $911K in expected annual loss and about 3.68 events per year; and drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Low risk — $76K in expected annual loss and about 0.88 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $4M in expected annual loss for a population of 8K.
Beyond physical exposure, Warren County has a very 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.
History supports the rating: Warren County has received 17 federal disaster declarations since 1974, including 5 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, Warren County ranks #89 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.09 / yr | $2K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 3.68 / yr | $911K |
| Drought | Low | 0.88 / yr | $76K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $156K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 9.37 / yr | $37K |
| Hail | Very Low | 3.00 / yr | $144K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.32 / yr | $415K |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.03 / yr | $10K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 4.63 / yr | $101K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 4.22 / yr | $248K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.96 / yr | $13K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 3.18 / yr | $2M |
| Lightning | Very Low | 46.69 / yr | $23K |
| 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
Warren County has received 17 federal disaster declarations since 1974, most recently Severe Winter Storm in January 2026. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (5), Flood (3), Snowstorm (3).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| January 2026 | Winter Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| July 2025 | Flood | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| May 2018 | Flood | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| March 2007 | Snowstorm | Snow |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| January 2005 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storms and Flooding |
| September 2004 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding |
| June 2004 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
Showing the 10 most recent of 17 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Warren County?
Warren County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 5.8 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 6th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Warren County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Landslide (Very Low, $2K EAL), Cold Wave (Low, $911K EAL), Drought (Low, $76K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Warren County compare to other Indiana counties?
Warren County ranks #89 of 92 Indiana counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Warren County had?
FEMA records 17 federal disaster declarations for Warren County since 1974, most often 5 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. Warren County's $4M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.