Decatur County Disaster Risk
Decatur County, Iowa
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
24th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#79
of 99 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
16th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 16% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 52% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 48% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 19% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 8% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Decatur County, Iowa
Decatur County: Iowa's Lowest-Risk Profile
Decatur County's composite risk score of 23.60 ranks it "Very Low," making it one of Iowa's safest counties and well below the state average of 39.68. This favorable profile reflects consistently low exposure across all major hazard categories, from floods (15.84) to earthquakes (18.61). Residents enjoy comparatively minimal natural disaster risk relative to regional and national benchmarks.
Lowest Risk Among Iowa's 99 Counties
Decatur County consistently ranks at or near the bottom of Iowa's disaster risk scale, with no hazard category exceeding 52 on the risk index. This exceptional safety profile results from the county's geography, climate patterns, and distance from seismic zones and flood-prone river corridors. Among all Iowa counties, Decatur offers residents the most favorable natural disaster risk environment.
Safest County in Southern Iowa Region
Decatur County's 23.60 score dramatically underperforms neighboring Davis (50.35), Appanoose, and Wayne counties, establishing it as the region's clear safety leader. Even closest neighbors in Clarke and Lucas counties report meaningfully higher composite risk scores. This geographic pocket of low risk makes Decatur an outlier within south-central Iowa's broader hazard landscape.
Wildfire Risk Stands Out Among Low Threats
While Decatur County remains exceptionally safe overall, wildfire risk at 52.10 is the highest among its hazard categories, reflecting vegetation and drought exposure. Tornado risk at 48.31 remains well below state averages, though spring weather remains a seasonal consideration. Flood, earthquake, and hurricane risks all score below 20, presenting minimal practical concern for most residents.
Standard Coverage Meets Your Needs
Decatur County's low risk profile means standard homeowner's insurance with basic wind and fire coverage typically provides adequate protection. Maintain good roof condition and clear gutters to prevent minor weather damage, and keep trees trimmed back from your home as a wildfire precaution. Annual policy reviews remain wise practice, but Decatur residents need not fear the extreme exposures facing neighboring counties.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Decatur County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Decatur County
Risk Verdict
Natural disaster exposure in Decatur County is lower than roughly three-quarters of U.S. counties, with a composite score at the 24th percentile. Even at the 24th percentile, Decatur County's composite score reflects real hazard exposure categories — knowing which ones apply locally enables targeted, efficient household preparedness.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Decatur County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 52th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 48th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (19th percentile), flood (16th percentile), hurricane (8th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 52th percentile nationally for wildfire, Decatur County residents should verify whether their insurance policy includes replacement cost coverage for structures and whether the insurer still writes new policies in this fire-risk zone. Alongside wildfire, tornado at the 48th percentile nationally means a multi-season preparedness mindset — fire season and flood or storm season often require different household plans. Local USFS or Cal Fire (where applicable) fire risk maps and seasonal Red Flag Warning alerts from the National Weather Service are two free resources Decatur County residents can use to stay ahead of rapidly changing wildfire conditions.
Regional Context
Decatur County is 16.1 composite risk points below the Iowa state mean, meaning most other Iowa counties face higher natural hazard exposure.
Is your household prepared for Decatur County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Decatur County, IA?
What types of natural hazards affect Decatur County?
How does Decatur County risk compare to the Iowa average?
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Is Decatur 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.