Buena Vista County Disaster Risk
Buena Vista County, Iowa
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
39th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#41
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 18% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 74% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 19% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Buena Vista County, Iowa
Buena Vista matches national average risk
With a composite score of 39.28, Buena Vista sits just below Iowa's state average of 39.68 and near the national baseline. This Very Low rating indicates manageable but non-negligible disaster exposure.
Middling risk for Iowa standards
Buena Vista's 39.28 score ranks it near the state median, slightly better than average but nothing exceptional. The county faces challenges comparable to Iowa's typical experience across all hazard categories.
Riskier than surrounding counties
Buena Vista (39.28) significantly exceeds Bremer (24.55), Buchanan (24.05), and Butler (27.10) to the east and southeast. Only Carroll (57.60) and Cass (60.05) to the southwest present meaningfully higher composite risk.
Tornado risk dominates the profile
Tornado risk of 73.95 is exceptionally high for Buena Vista, making severe weather the county's primary concern. Flood risk (32.92), wildfire risk (17.88), and earthquake risk (19.37) trail significantly, while hurricane data remains limited.
Tornado preparedness is non-negotiable
Buena Vista residents must prioritize a reliable shelter plan—ideally a basement, safe room, or access to a community shelter. Ensure your homeowner's policy includes wind and hail coverage, and maintain an emergency kit with 72-hour supplies.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Buena Vista County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Buena Vista County
Risk Verdict
At the 39th percentile nationally, Buena Vista County experiences relatively limited natural hazard pressure compared to most of the country. Buena Vista County residents can take confidence from a 39th percentile ranking, but even lower-risk counties benefit from a practiced household communication plan and awareness of the specific hazards listed above.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Buena Vista County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 74th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 33th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (19th percentile), wildfire (18th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Buena Vista County ranks at the 74th percentile nationally for tornado exposure. Unlike many slow-onset hazards, tornadoes in Buena Vista County can reach full intensity in minutes; a pre-practiced household shelter plan matters far more than stockpiled supplies. Alongside tornado exposure, flood at the 33th percentile nationally means Buena Vista County households face multi-hazard severe-weather seasons that benefit from a single integrated emergency plan covering both threats. Buena Vista County county emergency management typically publishes annual severe-weather preparedness guides tailored to local tornado patterns; households benefit from reviewing these before storm season begins each spring.
Regional Context
The county's composite score diverges by only 0.4 points from the Iowa average, making Buena Vista County's hazard profile broadly typical for this part of the state.
Is your household prepared for Buena Vista County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Buena Vista County, IA?
What types of natural hazards affect Buena Vista County?
How does Buena Vista County risk compare to the Iowa average?
Is Buena Vista County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Buena Vista 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.