Adams County Disaster Risk
Adams County, Iowa
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
20th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#85
of 99 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
12th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 12% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 32% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 38% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 8% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 8% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Adams County, Iowa
Adams County: Iowa's Safest Profile
Adams County's composite risk score of 20.36 earns a Very Low rating, making it one of Iowa's safest communities and well below the state average of 39.68. This low-risk profile reflects minimal exposure across most major natural hazard categories compared to typical U.S. counties.
Among Iowa's Lowest-Risk Counties
Adams ranks at the bottom of Iowa's risk scale, significantly outperforming nearly all neighboring counties. The county's Very Low rating reflects consistently modest scores across flood, tornado, and earthquake hazards.
Safest in a Moderate-Risk Region
Adams' 20.36 score stands out sharply against Adair County's 49.49 to the east and Audubon's 38.58 to the north. This makes Adams a notable exception in a rural zone where most counties carry higher composite risk.
Tornadoes Remain Top Concern
Even in low-risk Adams, tornadoes score 38.04—the county's highest single hazard—though still below state average. Wildfire exposure at 31.68 and flood risk at 11.51 remain minimal, making tornado preparedness the primary focus for residents.
Maintain Basic Storm Coverage
Adams residents benefit from low overall risk, but should still carry standard wind and hail insurance and maintain a tornado safety plan. Annual policy reviews ensure coverage stays current with home improvements and inflation.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Adams County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Adams County
Risk Verdict
Adams County carries a low natural disaster risk burden, scoring at the 20th percentile under the FEMA National Risk Index. Residents of Adams County can use the 20th percentile ranking as a baseline, while recognizing that individual properties may still lie in specific hazard zones that differ from the county average.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Adams County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 38th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 32th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (12th percentile), hurricane (8th percentile), earthquake (8th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Adams County's primary hazard, tornado, ranks at the 38th percentile nationally. In Adams County, mobile homes and manufactured housing face significantly higher tornado risk than site-built structures; residents in these homes should identify the nearest permanent community shelter in advance. Alongside tornado exposure, wildfire at the 32th percentile nationally means Adams County households face multi-hazard severe-weather seasons that benefit from a single integrated emergency plan covering both threats. The highest-risk window for tornado fatalities is overnight, when Adams County residents may be asleep. A NOAA weather radio with overnight alert capability is the single most impactful low-cost preparedness step available to Adams County households.
Regional Context
Compared to the Iowa county average, Adams County's composite score runs 19.3 points lower — a gap that reflects the county's relatively modest hazard profile within its state context.
Is your household prepared for Adams County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Adams County, IA?
What types of natural hazards affect Adams County?
How does Adams County risk compare to the Iowa average?
Is Adams County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Adams County a safe place to live?
Data Source
Risk data sourced from the FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Risk scores are relative rankings (0–100) across all US counties — not absolute risk measures. Higher scores indicate higher relative risk compared to other counties.
Disclaimer: This data is informational only. It is not financial, insurance, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making insurance or real estate decisions.