Allamakee County Disaster Risk
Allamakee County, Iowa
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
38th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#44
of 99 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
50th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 50% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 17% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 56% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 12% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 12% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Allamakee County, Iowa
Allamakee's Risk: Flood-Driven Profile
Allamakee County scores 38.20 overall, placing it just below Iowa's state average of 39.68 in the Very Low category. However, this modest composite masks significant flood vulnerability concentrated in specific areas due to the county's proximity to major river systems.
Below-Average Risk Statewide
Allamakee's Very Low rating positions it among Iowa's safer counties overall. However, the county's flood risk of 50.48 marks it as the clear outlier within its profile—a localized vulnerability that deserves focused attention.
Similar to Region but Wetter
Allamakee's 38.20 score aligns closely with neighboring Audubon at 38.58, but differs dramatically in hazard composition. While Audubon faces wildfire and tornado exposure, Allamakee's signature risk is flood danger from the Upper Iowa and Mississippi River systems.
Flooding Dominates Natural Hazard Profile
Allamakee's flood risk at 50.48 is more than double the state average, driven by river proximity and topography in this blufflands region. Tornadoes rank second at 55.66, while wildfire exposure remains minimal at 16.70.
Flood Insurance Is Essential Here
Allamakee residents in flood-prone areas must secure flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program—standard homeowners policies do not cover flooding. Elevate utilities, maintain sump pumps, and know your evacuation routes before flood season arrives.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Allamakee County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Allamakee County
Risk Verdict
Allamakee County's natural disaster risk is among the lowest in the country, with a composite score at the 38th percentile nationally. A 38th percentile score positions Allamakee County among the nation's lower-risk counties, a genuinely favorable outcome — one that simple, low-cost preparedness habits can reinforce further.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Allamakee County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 56th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 50th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (17th percentile), earthquake (12th percentile), hurricane (12th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Tornado risk is Allamakee County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 56th percentile nationally. For Allamakee County households, the most protective action available is identifying a reinforced interior room on the lowest floor — a bathroom, closet, or central hallway away from windows. The secondary flood hazard at the 50th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Allamakee County's preparedness calendar, since flood and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. A battery-powered NOAA All Hazards weather radio with an auto-alert tone is the highest-leverage single item for tornado preparedness in Allamakee County, since it delivers warnings even when power is out and phone networks are congested.
Regional Context
At just 1.5 composite points from the Iowa average, Allamakee County's natural disaster risk is closely in line with its in-state peers.
Is your household prepared for Allamakee County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Allamakee County, IA?
What types of natural hazards affect Allamakee County?
How does Allamakee County risk compare to the Iowa average?
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Is Allamakee 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.