Crawford County Disaster Risk
Crawford County, Iowa
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
61th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#15
of 99 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
56th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 56% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 46% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 82% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 10% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 0% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Crawford County, Iowa
Crawford County faces above-average risk
Crawford's composite risk score of 60.85 exceeds Iowa's state average of 39.68, placing it in the relatively-low-risk tier nationally. West-central Iowa experiences concentrated hazard exposure, particularly from tornadoes and wildfires.
Among Iowa's more vulnerable counties
Crawford ranks in the upper third of Iowa's 99 counties by composite risk with its 60.85 score. This positioning reflects above-average tornado and wildfire exposure compared to most Iowa communities.
Higher risk than most nearby counties
Crawford's 60.85 score significantly exceeds nearby Chickasaw (31.74) and Buena Vista counties, though aligns with western Iowa's generally elevated tornado exposure. Its topography and continental climate create this elevated vulnerability.
Tornado and wildfire drive exposure
Crawford faces tornado risk of 82.38—among Iowa's highest—combined with wildfire risk of 46.22 that exceeds state average. Flood (56.08) and earthquake (9.92) risks remain lower but still merit attention.
Tornado and wildfire coverage critical
Crawford residents need robust windstorm insurance for tornado protection, which standard policies exclude entirely. Those near grasslands or forests should ensure wildfire coverage and maintain defensible space around structures.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Crawford County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Crawford County
Risk Verdict
Crawford County has a below-average natural disaster risk profile, scoring at the 61th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Households in Crawford County benefit from knowing which individual hazard types — flood, wildfire, tornado, or hurricane — are the primary contributors.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Crawford County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 82th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 56th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (46th percentile), earthquake (10th percentile), hurricane (0th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Tornado risk is Crawford County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 82th percentile nationally. For Crawford 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. The secondary flood hazard at the 56th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Crawford County's preparedness calendar, since flood and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. A battery-powered NOAA All Hazards weather radio with an auto-alert tone is the highest-leverage single item for tornado preparedness in Crawford County, since it delivers warnings even when power is out and phone networks are congested.
Regional Context
Crawford County's composite risk score sits 21.2 points above the Iowa county average, placing it among the more hazard-exposed counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Crawford County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Crawford County, IA?
What types of natural hazards affect Crawford County?
How does Crawford County risk compare to the Iowa average?
Is Crawford County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Crawford 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.