FEMA expects less hazard damage per building in North Judson than in 76% of U.S. towns, mostly from river and rain flooding
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, North Judson gets an A− for hazard risk: lower expected damage per building than 76% of U.S. towns. Most of that expected damage is river and rain flooding (75%), then tornadoes (16%). FEMA’s files show no paid flood insurance claims here.
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 North Judson 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 North Judson’s grade
River and rain flooding is 75% of the building damage FEMA expects in North Judson, and North Judson’s rate of river and rain flooding damage is lower than 61% of U.S. census tracts. Next is tornadoes at 16% (higher than 85% of U.S. census tracts).
A− lower expected damage per building than 76% of U.S. towns (21,298).
All of North Judson’s residents live in one census tract; the figures are that tract’s.
In dollars, FEMA expects about $677K a year in losses across North Judson: $344K to buildings, the rest to people and crops.
Does North Judson flood? No paid flood claims on record
FEMA’s records show no paid flood insurance claims in North Judson. That’s not a promise: most homes don’t carry flood insurance, so small floods go unrecorded.
North Judson 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.5 federal disasters brought FEMA money to North Judson
Disasters that paid out in North Judson itself (aid to households or repair grants to the Town of North Judson), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2018Severe Storms and Flooding5 households applied for aid$7K aid approved
- 2008Severe Storms and Flooding29 households applied for aid$50K aid approved$2K to the Town of North Judson for repairs
- 2007Snow$3K to the Town of North Judson for repairs
- 2005Severe Winter Storms and Flooding2 households applied for aid$202 aid approved
- 1999In-winter Storm 12/23/98$5K to the Town of North Judson 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 North Judson after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the North Judson archive →Get ready for what North Judson 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 North Judson
Is North Judson at risk for natural disasters?
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, North Judson has lower expected damage per building than 76% of U.S. towns: A− for hazard risk. Most of the expected damage is river and rain flooding (75%) and tornadoes (16%). The figures are for the one census tract the town shares with its neighbors. This is FEMA’s model of an average year for today’s buildings, not a forecast.
Is North Judson 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 North Judson?
FEMA’s Community Rating System list shows no discount for North Judson’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 North Judson?
By FEMA money that reached North Judson, Severe Storms and Flooding (2008): 29 households applied for aid, $50K approved, and $2K to the Town of North Judson for repairs.
Is North Judson at risk from river and rain flooding?
It is the largest share of the building damage FEMA expects here (75%), and North Judson’s rate for it is lower than 61% of U.S. census tracts.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in North Judson.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where North Judson’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.