Bremer County Disaster Risk
Bremer County, Iowa
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
25th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#76
of 99 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
33th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 33% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 23% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 52% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 14% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 8% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Bremer County, Iowa
Bremer sits well below national risk average
With a composite risk score of 24.55, Bremer County ranks in the Very Low category—well below the national baseline. This means residents face significantly lower exposure to major natural disasters than the typical American county.
Among Iowa's safer counties overall
Bremer's score of 24.55 sits 38% below Iowa's state average of 39.68, placing it firmly in the lower-risk tier. The county ranks among Iowa's most resilient communities when considering all hazard types combined.
Safer than most immediate neighbors
Bremer (24.55) edges out Buchanan County (24.05) as nearly equal peers, but both are significantly safer than Buena Vista (39.28) and Butler (27.10) to the west. Cedar County (21.50) ranks as the region's safest.
Tornadoes pose the clearest threat
Tornado risk reaches 52.29 in Bremer—a meaningful elevation that demands preparedness despite the county's overall low profile. Flood risk (33.37) and wildfire risk (22.87) remain secondary concerns, with earthquake and hurricane risks minimal.
Storm coverage matters most here
Renters and homeowners should prioritize wind and hail coverage in their insurance policies given tornado exposure. A basement or safe room plan and a household emergency kit are essential investments for any Bremer County resident.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Bremer County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Bremer County
Risk Verdict
Bremer County carries a low natural disaster risk burden, scoring at the 25th percentile under the FEMA National Risk Index. At the 25th percentile, Bremer County's risk profile is among the more manageable in the country — the hazard-specific breakdown above shows where any remaining preparedness focus is best directed.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Bremer County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 52th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 33th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (23th percentile), earthquake (14th percentile), hurricane (8th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Bremer County's primary hazard, tornado, ranks at the 52th percentile nationally. In Bremer 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. The secondary flood hazard at the 33th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Bremer County's preparedness calendar, since flood and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. The highest-risk window for tornado fatalities is overnight, when Bremer County residents may be asleep. A NOAA weather radio with overnight alert capability is the single most impactful low-cost preparedness step available to Bremer County households.
Regional Context
Compared to the Iowa county average, Bremer County's composite score runs 15.1 points lower — a gap that reflects the county's relatively modest hazard profile within its state context.
Is your household prepared for Bremer County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Bremer County, IA?
What types of natural hazards affect Bremer County?
How does Bremer County risk compare to the Iowa average?
Is Bremer County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Bremer 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.