Clinton County Disaster Risk
Clinton County, Iowa
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
65th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#11
of 99 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
67th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 67% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 50% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 79% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 45% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 14% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Clinton County, Iowa
Clinton County faces above-average risk
Clinton's composite risk score of 64.82 substantially exceeds Iowa's state average of 39.68, placing it among the nation's more hazard-exposed counties. This east-central Iowa county confronts multiple significant natural disaster threats.
Among Iowa's riskiest counties
Clinton ranks in the top tier of Iowa's 99 counties by composite risk with its 64.82 score. Only a handful of Iowa counties face comparable overall hazard exposure, making Clinton notably vulnerable.
Significantly riskier than surrounding counties
Clinton's 64.82 score far exceeds nearby Clayton (42.21) and Dubuque counties, reflecting its unique vulnerability to multiple hazard types. Its position along the Mississippi River and active seismic zone drives this elevated exposure.
Tornado, flood, and earthquake converge
Clinton faces tornado risk of 79.04, flood risk of 66.92, and the state's highest earthquake risk of 45.42—a rare convergence of major hazards. Wildfire risk (50.06) also exceeds state averages, creating multifaceted exposure.
Comprehensive insurance essential
Clinton residents must layer multiple protections: windstorm coverage for tornadoes, flood insurance for recurring water events, and earthquake insurance for seismic risk. A reinforced basement shelter provides critical tornado protection in this high-exposure county.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Clinton County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Clinton County
Risk Verdict
At the 65th percentile nationally, Clinton County experiences a manageable level of natural hazard risk that falls below the U.S. median. Clinton County's risk profile calls for targeted preparedness, focusing on the hazard categories that dominate the county's score.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Clinton County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 79th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 67th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (50th percentile), earthquake (45th percentile), hurricane (14th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Clinton County's primary hazard, tornado, ranks at the 79th percentile nationally. In Clinton County, mobile homes and manufactured housing face significantly higher tornado risk than site-built structures; residents in these homes should identify the nearest permanent community shelter in advance. Alongside tornado exposure, flood at the 67th percentile nationally means Clinton County households face multi-hazard severe-weather seasons that benefit from a single integrated emergency plan covering both threats. The highest-risk window for tornado fatalities is overnight, when Clinton County residents may be asleep. A NOAA weather radio with overnight alert capability is the single most impactful low-cost preparedness step available to Clinton County households.
Regional Context
Clinton County falls 25.1 points above Iowa's typical county risk level, which means the hazard environment here is notably more demanding than the state baseline.
Is your household prepared for Clinton County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Clinton County, IA?
What types of natural hazards affect Clinton County?
How does Clinton County risk compare to the Iowa average?
Is Clinton County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Clinton 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.