Cherokee County Disaster Risk
Cherokee County, Iowa
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
34th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#53
of 99 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
39th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 39% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 24% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 61% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 11% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Cherokee County, Iowa
Cherokee County ranks very low nationally
Cherokee's composite risk score of 34.13 places it well below both Iowa's state average (39.68) and the national average, indicating relatively modest disaster exposure. This county experiences fewer natural hazards than most American regions.
Among Iowa's safest counties
Cherokee ranks in the lower third of Iowa's 99 counties by composite risk, with a score that reflects below-average exposure to most major hazard types. It remains one of the state's more stable communities from a natural disaster perspective.
Comparable risk to surrounding counties
Cherokee's 34.13 score aligns closely with Chickasaw (31.74) and Clay (36.39), reflecting similar risk profiles across this region of north-central Iowa. All three counties share relatively low hazard exposure compared to state averages.
Tornado risk slightly elevated
Cherokee's tornado risk of 60.75 represents the county's primary natural hazard exposure, though still below state problematic levels. Flood risk (39.06) and wildfire risk (24.46) remain modest, with earthquake activity minimal.
Focus on tornado preparedness
While Cherokee faces lower overall disaster risk, tornado coverage gaps in standard policies make windstorm insurance a practical safeguard. Identify a basement shelter or safe interior room as your family's tornado refuge.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Cherokee County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Cherokee County
Risk Verdict
At the 34th percentile nationally, Cherokee County experiences relatively limited natural hazard pressure compared to most of the country. A preparedness foundation — alert registration, household communication plan, and a basic supply review — costs little and remains valuable even at Cherokee County's favorable 34th percentile ranking.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Cherokee County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 61th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 39th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (24th percentile), earthquake (11th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Cherokee County ranks at the 61th percentile nationally for tornado exposure. Unlike many slow-onset hazards, tornadoes in Cherokee County can reach full intensity in minutes; a pre-practiced household shelter plan matters far more than stockpiled supplies. The secondary flood hazard at the 39th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Cherokee County's preparedness calendar, since flood and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. Cherokee 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
A composite score 5.5 points below the Iowa state average puts Cherokee County in a better-than-typical position relative to neighboring counties.
Is your household prepared for Cherokee County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Cherokee County, IA?
What types of natural hazards affect Cherokee County?
How does Cherokee County risk compare to the Iowa average?
Is Cherokee County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Cherokee 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.