Photo: Nahteecirp · Public domainOn FEMA’s figures, Knox faces less hazard damage per building than 80% of U.S. towns, mostly from river and rain flooding
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Knox gets an A− for hazard risk: lower expected damage per building than 80% of U.S. towns, #129 of 593 in Indiana. Most of that expected damage is river and rain flooding (75%), then tornadoes (16%). Flood insurance has paid 2 claims here since 2018.
Graded on FEMA’s expected yearly building damage per dollar of building value (NRI v1.20, December 2025), weighted by where residents live; flood claims are shown, not graded. How hazard risk is graded
What Knox faces
Each hazard’s share of the building damage FEMA expects here, and how its rate compares with the rest of the country.
River and rain flooding
Tornadoes
Shares are of FEMA’s expected building damage, the measure the grade uses; ranks compare each hazard’s building-damage rate with all 85,154 U.S. census tracts. In FEMA’s terms, river and rain flooding is FEMA’s “Inland Flooding” (rivers and streams overflowing their banks, or rain overwhelming drainage). FEMA defines coastal flooding as high or rising tides and storm surge, so surge damage is counted there. Drought isn’t listed: FEMA counts its losses in crops only.
What’s behind Knox’s grade
River and rain flooding is 75% of the building damage FEMA expects in Knox, and Knox’s rate of river and rain flooding damage is lower than 65% of U.S. census tracts. Next is tornadoes at 16% (higher than 83% of U.S. census tracts).
A− #129 of 593 in Indiana; lower expected damage per building than 80% of U.S. towns (21,298).
Knox’s residents live in 3 census tracts; FEMA’s figures are combined by where they live.
The typical Indiana town has lower expected damage than 60% of U.S. towns; within the state, Knox has less expected damage per building than 78% of Indiana towns.
In dollars, FEMA expects about $1.3M a year in losses across Knox: $685K to buildings, the rest to people and crops.
Does Knox flood? Rarely: 2 flood claims since 2018
Every paid claim on a federal flood insurance policy in Knox, from FEMA’s records: 1.2 per 1,000 homes, fewer than 74% of the 13,809 U.S. towns with a flood insurance record.
Knox isn’t in FEMA’s Community Rating System, which cuts flood insurance up to 45% in towns that do extra flood-proofing.
Insurance rates: Starke County.6 federal disasters brought FEMA money to Knox
Disasters that paid out in Knox itself (aid to households or repair grants to the City of Knox), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2018Severe Storms and Flooding15 households applied for aid$20K aid approved2 flood claims paid that year
- 2008Severe Storms and Flooding69 households applied for aid$151K aid approved$28K to the City of Knox for repairs
- 2007Snow$2K to the City of Knox for repairs
- 2005Severe Winter Storms and Flooding7 households applied for aid$12K aid approved
- 2000Snow$3K to the City of Knox for repairs
- 1999In-winter Storm 12/23/98$4K to the City of Knox for repairs
Starke County has had 14 natural disasters declared by the President since 1953, most often winter storms, then severe storms. Not counted: the 2005 Hurricane Katrina evacuee emergency, which covered counties that took in evacuees.
Old photos of Knox after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the Knox archive →Get ready for what Knox faces
A short kit for the hazards that drive the building damage here, what to check before you buy, and where neighbors get alerts.
- Turn around at flooded roads: a foot of moving water can carry off a car.
- Flood insurance usually takes 30 days to start, so buy it before the forecast.
- Keep papers and medicines up high, in a grab-and-go bag.
- Pick your spot now: the lowest floor, an inside room, no windows.
- A watch means be ready; a warning means take cover now.
- Keep shoes and a flashlight by the bed.
- Look up the address on FEMA’s flood map.
- Ask the seller or landlord whether it has ever flooded, and what flood insurance costs there.
- Get a flood insurance quote early: policies usually start 30 days after you buy.
Know where neighbors sign up for alerts? Add it to the Handbook so everyone has it.
Questions about natural hazards in Knox
Is Knox at risk for natural disasters?
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Knox has lower expected damage per building than 80% of U.S. towns: A− for hazard risk, #129 of 593 in Indiana. Most of the expected damage is river and rain flooding (75%) and tornadoes (16%). This is FEMA’s model of an average year for today’s buildings, not a forecast.
Does Knox flood?
Flood insurance has paid 2 claims in Knox since 2018, $46K in all, or 1.2 per 1,000 homes, fewer than 74% of U.S. towns with a flood insurance record.
Is Knox in a flood zone?
Flood zones are drawn street by street, so the answer depends on the address: look it up on FEMA’s flood map. In Starke County, 14% of homes in mapped flood zones carry federal flood insurance, and 0.4% of all homes do.
How much is flood insurance in Knox?
FEMA’s Community Rating System list shows no discount for Knox’s flood program. Premiums depend on the building; policies usually start 30 days after you buy, so get a quote early.
What was the biggest storm in Knox?
By FEMA money that reached Knox, Severe Storms and Flooding (2008): 69 households applied for aid, $151K approved, and $28K to the City of Knox for repairs.
Is Knox at risk from river and rain flooding?
It is the largest share of the building damage FEMA expects here (75%), and Knox’s rate for it is lower than 65% of U.S. census tracts.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in Knox.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where Knox’s residents lived in the 2020 census; OpenFEMA: NFIP redacted claims, multiple-loss properties, community status book and residential penetration rates, housing assistance (owners and renters), public assistance funded projects, hazard mitigation properties and disaster declarations. Homes: Census ACS 2020–24. Preparedness tips: Ready.gov. FEMA’s model is an average of expected damage, not a forecast. How hazard risk is graded.