Clay County Disaster Risk
Clay County, Iowa
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
36th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#46
of 99 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
54th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 54% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 30% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 54% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 14% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Clay County, Iowa
Clay County ranks very low nationally
Clay's composite risk score of 36.39 falls just below Iowa's state average of 39.68, placing it in the lower-risk tier nationally. This county experiences relatively modest natural disaster exposure compared to most American regions.
Below-average risk for Iowa
Clay ranks in the safer half of Iowa's 99 counties, with a 36.39 score that reflects below-average hazard exposure across most categories. The county sits among Iowa's more stable communities from a disaster perspective.
Comparable to surrounding counties
Clay's 36.39 score aligns with Cherokee (34.13) and Chickasaw (31.74), reflecting consistent low-risk patterns across north-central Iowa. All three counties share similar protective geographic and climatic advantages.
Tornado and flood are main concerns
Clay faces tornado risk of 53.78 and flood risk of 53.75—nearly equal exposures that drive the county's modest composite score. Wildfire (29.64) and earthquake (14.19) risks remain significantly lower.
Secure tornado and flood coverage
Clay residents should add windstorm and flood insurance to standard homeowners policies, as both hazards represent meaningful exposure. Identify or construct a basement safe room for tornado season protection.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Clay County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Clay County
Risk Verdict
Clay County sits in the lower tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure, ranked at the 36th percentile nationally. Clay County residents can take confidence from a 36th 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 Clay County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 54th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 54th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (30th percentile), earthquake (14th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 54th percentile nationally for tornado risk, Clay 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. The secondary flood hazard at the 54th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Clay County's preparedness calendar, since flood and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. For Clay 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
Clay County tracks the Iowa county average closely, sitting 3.3 composite points below the state mean — neither a standout high-risk nor low-risk county within Iowa.
Is your household prepared for Clay County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Clay County, IA?
What types of natural hazards affect Clay County?
How does Clay County risk compare to the Iowa average?
Is Clay County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Clay 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.