Evansville, Indiana: natural disaster risk
How exposed Evansville is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Vanderburgh County.
Evansville is a city of 116,116 people in Vanderburgh County, Indiana. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Vanderburgh County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, earthquake and tornado, with about $96.4 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 538 storm reports in the county since 1955, including 32 tornadoes and 135 floods. About 0.7% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Vanderburgh County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Evansville
Full Vanderburgh County report ›- Check the FEMA flood map for your address, and ask the seller or landlord about past flooding.
- Price a flood policy now. Most new federal policies take 30 days to start.
- Ask whether an older house is bolted to its foundation.
- Consider separate earthquake insurance where risk is high.
- Pick a shelter spot: a basement, or an inside room on the lowest floor with no windows.
- Turn on emergency alerts on your phone and keep a weather radio.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $36M | |
| Earthquake | $32M | |
| Tornado | $13M | |
| Cold wave | $5M | |
| Heat wave | $4M | |
| Strong wind | $3M | |
| Ice storm | $1M | |
| Hail | $983K | |
| Winter weather | $740K | |
| Lightning | $682K | |
| Drought | $167K | |
| Hurricane | $36K |
Homes in Evansville
Older homes and mobile homes usually take more damage in storms, floods and earthquakes. Ask about roof age, flood history and retrofits before you buy or rent.
Strongest tornadoes in Vanderburgh County
Other cities in Indiana
All ›Common questions about Evansville
Is Evansville safe from natural disasters?
Evansville is in Vanderburgh County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, earthquake, tornado. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Evansville?
By expected yearly losses in Vanderburgh County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), earthquake (Moderate), tornado (High). Vanderburgh County has been part of 18 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Evansville get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 32 tornadoes in Vanderburgh County since 1950; the strongest was an F3 tornado on November 6, 2005 near Evansville. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Evansville?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Vanderburgh County, about 0.7% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk moderate. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.