Indianapolis, Indiana: natural disaster risk
How exposed Indianapolis is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Marion County.
Indianapolis is a city of 885,860 people in Marion County, Indiana. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Marion County relatively high for natural hazards overall, higher than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, tornado and cold wave, with about $285 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 1,074 storm reports in the county since 1952, including 47 tornadoes and 104 floods. About 0.7% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Marion County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Indianapolis
Full Marion 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.
- 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.
- Insulate pipes in outside walls, crawl spaces and garages.
- Know how to shut off the main water valve.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $163M | |
| Tornado | $39M | |
| Cold wave | $27M | |
| Earthquake | $22M | |
| Heat wave | $20M | |
| Strong wind | $7M | |
| Lightning | $2M | |
| Hail | $2M | |
| Ice storm | $610K | |
| Winter weather | $570K | |
| Drought | $50K | |
| Hurricane | $19K |
Homes in Indianapolis
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 Marion County
More cities in Marion County
Other cities in Indiana
All ›Common questions about Indianapolis
Is Indianapolis safe from natural disasters?
Indianapolis is in Marion County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively high overall, higher than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, tornado, cold wave. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Indianapolis?
By expected yearly losses in Marion County, the top hazards are inland flooding (High), tornado (Very High), cold wave (High). Marion County has been part of 18 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Indianapolis get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 47 tornadoes in Marion County since 1950; the strongest was an F4 tornado on May 14, 1972. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county very high.
Do I need flood insurance in Indianapolis?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Marion County, about 0.7% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk high. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.