White County, Indiana Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · IN
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 39th
White County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 38.5, 39th national percentile), driven primarily by cold wave and hail exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $13M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates White County at very low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 38.5 out of 100 — placing it in the 39th 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 White County's expected losses come from cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at Medium risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 4.05 events per year; hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Low risk — $506K in expected annual loss and about 3.40 events per year; and earthquake (ground shaking from sudden movement along geologic faults) at Low risk — $476K in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $13M in expected annual loss for a population of 25K.
Beyond physical exposure, White County has a low social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a very 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: White County has received 17 federal disaster declarations since 1974, including 7 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, White County ranks #55 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Cold Wave | Medium | 4.05 / yr | $2M |
| Hail | Low | 3.40 / yr | $506K |
| Earthquake | Low | 0.00 / yr | $476K |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 4.89 / yr | $709K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.40 / yr | $1M |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 0.57 / yr | $7M |
| Heat Wave | Low | 5.05 / yr | $281K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.08 / yr | $673 |
| Winter Weather | Low | 9.26 / yr | $42K |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.03 / yr | $21K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 44.72 / yr | $86K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.81 / yr | $11K |
| Drought | Very Low | 0.20 / yr | $476 |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $2K |
| 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
White County has received 17 federal disaster declarations since 1974, most recently Severe Winter Storm in January 2026. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (7), Snowstorm (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 |
| May 2018 | Flood | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| April 2014 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm |
| April 2009 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| January 2008 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| March 2007 | Snowstorm | Snow |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
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 White County?
White County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 38.5 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 39th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in White County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Cold Wave (Medium, $2M EAL), Hail (Low, $506K EAL), Earthquake (Low, $476K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does White County compare to other Indiana counties?
White County ranks #55 of 92 Indiana counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has White County had?
FEMA records 17 federal disaster declarations for White County since 1974, most often 7 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. White County's $13M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.