Audubon County Disaster Risk
Audubon County, Iowa
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
39th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#42
of 99 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
20th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 20% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 33% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 60% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 7% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 15% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Audubon County, Iowa
Audubon: Low Risk, Moderate Preparedness
Audubon County's composite score of 38.58 falls just below Iowa's state average of 39.68, earning a Very Low rating. This modest but manageable risk profile places Audubon among Iowa's safer communities, though still above the nation's lowest-hazard zones.
Below-Average Risk Across Iowa
Audubon ranks in the safer half of Iowa's county distribution, with risk exposure consistently moderate to low across most hazard categories. The county benefits from relatively stable terrain and distance from major river systems that plague other regions.
Safer Than Most Neighbors
Audubon's 38.58 score slightly trails neighboring Adair at 49.49 to the east, but substantially beats Appanoose to the south at 41.19. Adams County to the southwest remains the region's safest outlier at 20.36.
Tornadoes Lead, Wildfires Secondary
Tornado risk at 59.67 is Audubon's primary concern and above the state average, while wildfire exposure of 33.37 ranks moderate. Flood risk remains low at 19.78, making tornado preparedness the core planning priority for residents.
Tornado Coverage and Safe Planning
Audubon residents should ensure wind and hail insurance covers tornado damage and maintain an accessible safe room or shelter plan. Annual preparedness drills and weather radio monitoring provide low-cost protection against the county's signature storm threat.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Audubon County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Audubon County
Risk Verdict
Compared to the nation's 3,144 counties, Audubon County ranks at the 39th percentile for natural disaster risk — toward the safer end of the spectrum. At the 39th percentile nationally, Audubon County's natural hazard profile is comparatively favorable — community resilience is reinforced when individual households maintain a reviewed emergency plan.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Audubon County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 60th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 33th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (20th percentile), hurricane (15th percentile), earthquake (7th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Tornado exposure at the 60th percentile nationally makes Audubon County a county where a battery-powered weather radio — not just smartphone apps — is a worthwhile household investment, given that mobile networks often fail during severe storms. Alongside tornado exposure, wildfire at the 33th percentile nationally means Audubon County households face multi-hazard severe-weather seasons that benefit from a single integrated emergency plan covering both threats. In Audubon County, tornado watches indicate favorable atmospheric conditions while warnings mean rotation has been detected — households benefit from understanding this distinction so they shelter immediately on a warning, not after seeking visual confirmation.
Regional Context
Audubon County sits within 1.1 composite points of the Iowa state average, suggesting the county's hazard exposure is representative of the broader regional pattern.
Is your household prepared for Audubon County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Audubon County, IA?
What types of natural hazards affect Audubon County?
How does Audubon County risk compare to the Iowa average?
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How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Audubon 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.