Boone County Disaster Risk
Boone County, Iowa
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
28th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#69
of 99 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
29th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 29% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 16% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 57% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 17% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 9% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Boone County, Iowa
Boone County: Low Risk, Stable Profile
Boone County's composite score of 28.40 ranks it Very Low and substantially below Iowa's state average of 39.68. This favorable rating reflects consistently modest natural disaster exposure across all major hazard categories compared to national norms.
Among Iowa's Safest Communities
Boone ranks among the state's lowest-risk counties, competing with Adams, Benton, and Allamakee for the safest designation. The county enjoys natural protections from topography and climate that minimize hazard exposure.
Safest in Central Iowa Region
Boone's 28.40 essentially ties with neighboring Benton at 28.82, making both counties clear outliers in a safer corner of Iowa. This contrasts sharply with Black Hawk's extreme 76.59 just to the northeast, creating a dramatic risk gradient.
Tornadoes Lead in Low-Risk County
Even in safe Boone County, tornado risk at 57.22 represents the highest single threat, though well below high-risk counties' scores. Flood exposure at 28.75 and wildfire risk at 15.94 remain comfortably low, simplifying preparedness planning.
Standard Protection Covers Boone
Boone residents can rely on comprehensive standard homeowners policies to manage the county's modest risk profile. Maintain storm awareness, keep emergency supplies accessible, and conduct family safety drills to maximize protection in this low-hazard environment.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Boone County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Boone County
Risk Verdict
Boone County's overall natural disaster score at the 28th percentile puts it well below the national median for hazard exposure. A preparedness foundation — alert registration, household communication plan, and a basic supply review — costs little and remains valuable even at Boone County's favorable 28th percentile ranking.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Boone County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 57th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 29th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (17th percentile), wildfire (16th percentile), hurricane (9th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With tornado ranked at the 57th percentile nationally, Boone County sits in a high-exposure zone where the difference between outcomes often comes down to proximity to a reinforced interior shelter and seconds of warning time. Alongside tornado exposure, flood at the 29th percentile nationally means Boone County households face multi-hazard severe-weather seasons that benefit from a single integrated emergency plan covering both threats. For Boone County households, safe rooms certified to FEMA 320/361 standards offer the highest protection during a direct tornado hit; households without a safe room should locate the innermost lowest-floor room in their building and practice the route to it before storm season.
Regional Context
Boone County's composite risk score sits 11.3 points below the Iowa county average, reflecting a more favorable hazard environment than the state typical.
Is your household prepared for Boone County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Boone County, IA?
What types of natural hazards affect Boone County?
How does Boone County risk compare to the Iowa average?
Is Boone County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Boone 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.