Natural Disaster Risk in Franklin County

Natural Hazard Profile: Franklin County, Indiana

Franklin County is located in the United States in Indiana, home to roughly 22,784 residents. The county experiences cold winters and warm, humid summers with variable severe weather, with spring tornado risk across the state shaping the natural hazards faced by its communities. FEMA assesses risk at this county level, providing the baseline for every city and ZIP code within its boundaries.

FEMA rates Franklin County's composite natural disaster risk at 4.8 out of 10 — moderate risk. The area faces significant landslide risk, where mountainous topography and saturated soils during wet periods combine to create hazardous mass movement conditions. Residents should also account for tornado and wind risk in their preparedness planning.

Franklin County's risk score, slightly below the 5.5/10 state average and near the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Franklin County, the highest-scoring are landslide, tornado, and wind. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

With a moderate risk rating, Franklin County residents are well-served by maintaining standard preparedness practices — an emergency supply kit, awareness of local hazard seasonality, and insurance that covers the top local risks. Periodic review of coverage for landslide is recommended.