Black Hawk County Disaster Risk
Black Hawk County, Iowa
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
77th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#7
of 99 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
77th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 77% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 37% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 91% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 39% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 17% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Black Hawk County, Iowa
Black Hawk: Iowa's Highest-Risk County
Black Hawk County's composite score of 76.59 ranks it Relatively Low but nearly double Iowa's state average of 39.68—the highest score among Iowa counties profiled here. This exceptional risk profile places Black Hawk among the nation's more hazard-exposed communities.
Far Exceeds State Risk Average
Black Hawk stands alone at the top of Iowa's risk hierarchy, with exposure scores substantially higher than any other county in this analysis. The county faces a converging perfect storm of flood, tornado, and earthquake vulnerabilities.
Dramatically Riskier Than Surroundings
Black Hawk's 76.59 far exceeds nearby Benton County at 28.82 and Boone at 28.40, making it a stark exception in central Iowa. The dramatic disparity reflects Black Hawk's unique geography and position in Iowa's most hazard-prone zone.
Catastrophic Tornado and Flood Threats
Black Hawk residents face a tornado risk score of 91.38—the highest in this county set—alongside flood exposure of 76.62 driven by the Cedar River system. Earthquake risk at 39.12 adds a third serious concern, creating an exceptionally hazardous combination.
Comprehensive, Layered Protection Essential
Black Hawk homeowners must secure flood insurance, comprehensive wind/tornado coverage, and discuss earthquake options with agents given the county's exceptional vulnerability profile. Invest in a reinforced safe room, maintain emergency supplies for extended outages, and participate in community preparedness programs.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Black Hawk County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Black Hawk County
Risk Verdict
With a national percentile rank of 77th, Black Hawk County faces below-average hazard exposure relative to U.S. counties as a whole. Proactive preparedness — not reactive response — is key to managing life in one of the country's higher-risk counties; Black Hawk County residents should plan accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Black Hawk County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 91th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 77th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (39th percentile), wildfire (37th percentile), hurricane (17th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 91th percentile nationally for tornado risk, Black Hawk County households benefit most from a reliable alert system — a NOAA weather radio that activates during overnight hours when residents may not be checking smartphone alerts. Flood is the second hazard driver for Black Hawk County at the 77th percentile nationally, meaning households should maintain awareness of both severe-weather and flood-specific warning systems. For Black Hawk County households, a pre-decided family shelter plan — who goes where, how children are retrieved from school during a warning, and a neighborhood meet-up point if phones fail — provides real protection that no supply kit alone can replicate.
Regional Context
At 36.9 points above the Iowa state average, Black Hawk County carries meaningfully higher natural disaster exposure than a typical Iowa county.
Is your household prepared for Black Hawk County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Black Hawk County, IA?
What types of natural hazards affect Black Hawk County?
How does Black Hawk County risk compare to the Iowa average?
Is Black Hawk County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Black Hawk County higher risk than average?
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.