Cass County Disaster Risk
Cass County, Iowa
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
60th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#17
of 99 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
43th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 43% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 41% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 76% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 16% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 18% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Cass County, Iowa
Cass County's risk ranks notably high
With a composite risk score of 60.05, Cass County ranks in the Relatively Low category but exceeds roughly 60% of U.S. counties in disaster exposure. This is Iowa's highest risk among the eight counties analyzed.
Iowa's riskiest county in this group
Cass's score of 60.05 towers 51% above Iowa's state average of 39.68, making it one of the state's highest-risk counties overall. Only a handful of Iowa counties present comparably elevated natural disaster vulnerability.
Distinctly riskier than all peers
Cass (60.05) exceeds even Carroll County (57.60) by a narrow margin, dwarfing all eastern neighbors like Bremer (24.55) and Buchanan (24.05). The county stands in a risk category almost unto itself within this regional grouping.
Compound threat from multiple hazards
Tornado risk (75.76) and flood risk (43.35) are both elevated, with wildfire risk (40.55) adding a third major concern—an unusual combination for Iowa. Earthquake risk (16.22) and hurricane risk (17.56) remain secondary but non-negligible.
Multi-hazard insurance strategy essential
Cass County residents must address tornado, flood, and wildfire risks through a layered insurance approach: ensure wind and hail coverage, evaluate flood insurance through the NFIP, and check defensible space around your home. Consider a safe room retrofit and emergency kit as foundational investments.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Cass County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Cass County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard pressure in Cass County is below the national midpoint, with a composite score at the 60th percentile. Proactive emergency planning and awareness of the specific hazards driving Cass County's score can meaningfully reduce household risk.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Cass County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 76th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 43th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (41th percentile), hurricane (18th percentile), earthquake (16th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With tornado ranked at the 76th percentile nationally, Cass 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. The secondary flood hazard at the 43th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Cass County's preparedness calendar, since flood and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. For Cass 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
Cass County is 20.4 composite risk points above the Iowa average, indicating that residents face greater natural hazard exposure than most of their in-state neighbors.
Is your household prepared for Cass County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Cass County, IA?
What types of natural hazards affect Cass County?
How does Cass County risk compare to the Iowa average?
Is Cass County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Cass 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.