Cerro Gordo County Disaster Risk
Cerro Gordo County, Iowa
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
70th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#8
of 99 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
69th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 69% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 27% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 89% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 24% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 12% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Cerro Gordo County, Iowa
Cerro Gordo faces above-average disaster risk
With a composite risk score of 69.59, Cerro Gordo ranks as relatively low risk nationally, but sits well above Iowa's state average of 39.68. This county experiences more frequent and intense natural hazards than most of the state, driven primarily by tornado exposure.
Among Iowa's riskiest counties
Cerro Gordo's 69.59 score places it in the upper tier of Iowa's 99 counties by hazard exposure. Only a handful of Iowa counties face comparable composite risk levels, making this one of the state's more vulnerable regions.
Higher risk than nearby counties
Cerro Gordo's composite score of 69.59 significantly exceeds those of neighboring Chickasaw (31.74) and Worth counties. Its tornado and flood risks drive this distinction, marking it as notably more hazard-exposed than its immediate regional peers.
Tornado and flood risks dominate
Tornado risk reaches 89.34 in Cerro Gordo—among the highest in Iowa—while flood risk scores 68.96, reflecting the county's location in a climatically active region. Wildfire (26.65) and earthquake (24.24) risks remain minimal by comparison.
Prioritize tornado and flood coverage
Standard homeowners policies exclude tornado and flood damage, so Cerro Gordo residents should secure separate windstorm and flood insurance immediately. A safe room or basement shelter offers critical protection during the tornado season that affects this county regularly.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Cerro Gordo County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Cerro Gordo County
Risk Verdict
Cerro Gordo County has a below-average natural disaster risk profile, scoring at the 70th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Households in Cerro Gordo County benefit from knowing which individual hazard types — flood, wildfire, tornado, or hurricane — are the primary contributors.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Cerro Gordo County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 89th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 69th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (27th percentile), earthquake (24th percentile), hurricane (12th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Tornado risk is Cerro Gordo County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 89th percentile nationally. For Cerro Gordo County households, the most protective action available is identifying a reinforced interior room on the lowest floor — a bathroom, closet, or central hallway away from windows. Alongside tornado exposure, flood at the 69th percentile nationally means Cerro Gordo County households face multi-hazard severe-weather seasons that benefit from a single integrated emergency plan covering both threats. A battery-powered NOAA All Hazards weather radio with an auto-alert tone is the highest-leverage single item for tornado preparedness in Cerro Gordo County, since it delivers warnings even when power is out and phone networks are congested.
Regional Context
Cerro Gordo County's composite risk score sits 29.9 points above the Iowa county average, placing it among the more hazard-exposed counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Cerro Gordo County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Cerro Gordo County, IA?
What types of natural hazards affect Cerro Gordo County?
How does Cerro Gordo County risk compare to the Iowa average?
Is Cerro Gordo County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Cerro Gordo 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.