Carroll County Disaster Risk
Carroll County, Iowa
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
58th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#21
of 99 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
38th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 38% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 29% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 85% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 20% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 19% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Carroll County, Iowa
Carroll County's risk rises noticeably
Carroll's composite risk score of 57.60 places it in the Relatively Low category—higher than 45% of U.S. counties. While still manageable, this represents a meaningful natural disaster exposure elevation for Iowa.
Among Iowa's higher-risk counties
At 57.60, Carroll exceeds Iowa's state average of 39.68 by 45%, ranking it well into the upper half of Iowa's counties. Only Cass County (60.05) and a handful of others present comparably elevated composite risk.
Highest risk in the immediate region
Carroll (57.60) far exceeds the safer eastern cluster of Bremer, Buchanan, Butler, and Cedar counties. It ranks second only to Cass (60.05) in its immediate vicinity, representing a dramatic risk escalation moving westward.
Tornado risk stands exceptional
Tornado risk of 85.46 is among Iowa's highest, presenting Carroll's dominant hazard concern. Flood risk (37.53), earthquake risk (19.75), and wildfire risk (28.53) all trail significantly, though wildfire exposure is elevated relative to the state average.
Comprehensive storm preparedness required
Carroll residents face one of Iowa's most severe tornado risks and need a robust household shelter plan with regular drills. Beyond wind and hail insurance, families should maintain a 72-hour emergency kit, monitor local weather closely during spring, and know multiple evacuation routes.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Carroll County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Carroll County
Risk Verdict
With a national percentile rank of 58th, Carroll County faces below-average hazard exposure relative to U.S. counties as a whole. Above-average risk does not mean imminent danger; it signals that informed, hazard-specific preparedness has high value here.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Carroll County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 85th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 38th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (29th percentile), earthquake (20th percentile), hurricane (19th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 85th percentile nationally for tornado risk, Carroll 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. Alongside tornado exposure, flood at the 38th percentile nationally means Carroll County households face multi-hazard severe-weather seasons that benefit from a single integrated emergency plan covering both threats. For Carroll 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 17.9 points above the Iowa state average, Carroll County carries meaningfully higher natural disaster exposure than a typical Iowa county.
Is your household prepared for Carroll County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Carroll County, IA?
What types of natural hazards affect Carroll County?
How does Carroll County risk compare to the Iowa average?
Is Carroll County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Carroll 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.