Natural Disaster Risk in Bethlehem
Indiana
Risk Summary for Bethlehem
Bethlehem scores 6.5/10 (High risk), above the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Strong Wind.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Scores
How it compares
Live Conditions
🏠 What this means for insurance
Above-average risk — check your policy limits
Standard homeowners insurance may not fully cover all hazards rated highly in this area. Verify that your policy includes adequate coverage for the top local hazards, and ask your insurer about specific endorsements or separate policies (e.g., flood, earthquake).
This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.
Natural Hazard Profile: Bethlehem, Indiana
Bethlehem is a small unincorporated community in Clark County, in the interior eastern United States. The area experiences cold winters and warm, humid summers with variable severe weather, with spring tornado risk across the state shaping the pattern of natural hazards that residents encounter. Understanding the local risk profile is essential for anyone living in, moving to, or owning property in Bethlehem.
FEMA rates Bethlehem's composite natural disaster risk at 6.5 out of 10 — high risk. Strong wind is the primary natural hazard, with the area exposed to downburst winds from convective storms that can exceed 80 mph and cause hurricane-level localized damage. Residents should also account for tornado and earthquake risk in their preparedness planning.
Bethlehem's risk score, slightly above the 5.5/10 state average and above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Clark County, the highest-scoring are wind, tornado, and earthquake. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.
Bethlehem's high risk designation reflects meaningful exposure to natural hazards. Residents should verify that their insurance covers the area's primary risks, prepare a family emergency plan, and stay informed about seasonal hazard peaks through local weather and emergency management services.
What this means for Bethlehem: Strong Wind preparedness
- Inspect and reinforce roofing, siding, and garage doors, which are common failure points in high winds.
- Secure or store outdoor furniture and loose objects that can become projectiles.
- Confirm your policy covers wind damage and keep an inventory of property for claims.
Local Factors for Bethlehem
These city-level factors differentiate Bethlehem from other communities in Clark County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
9
RuralGeographic Zone
Inland
Reduced coastal hazard exposure
Climate Band
Moderate Continental
Latitude 38.5°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Lower — moist climate limits wildfire frequency
Fire score: 3.1/10
Coordinates
38.5457° N, 85.4367° W
Clark County
Population and coordinates from SimpleMaps US Cities data. Hazard scores from FEMA National Risk Index. Geographic classification derived from coordinates.
Recent Climate Data for Bethlehem
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in Bethlehem
Other cities in Indiana
Data source: FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Scores normalized to 1–10 across all US counties. City scores inherit county-level FEMA data. For informational purposes only.