Delaware County Disaster Risk
Delaware County, Iowa
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
50th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#26
of 99 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
62th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 62% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 12% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 58% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 25% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 19% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Delaware County, Iowa
Delaware County: Moderate Risk, Flood-Focused
Delaware County scores 49.75 on the composite risk scale, placing it "Relatively Low" but modestly above Iowa's state average of 39.68. The county's risk profile centers on flood exposure at 61.74, one of the state's highest water-related risks, while tornado (58.46) presents secondary concern. This flood-dominant pattern reflects Delaware's position along the Turkey River and other significant tributaries.
Upper-Middle Ranking, Driven by Flooding
Delaware County ranks in Iowa's upper-middle tier for overall disaster risk, with its 61.74 flood score substantially exceeding the state average and positioning it among the state's most flood-exposed counties. Tornado risk at 58.46 adds secondary hazard exposure, while wildfire and earthquake risks remain below state norms. This combination creates a distinctive flooding-first risk profile within northeastern Iowa.
Flood Risk Exceeds Regional Peers
Delaware County's flood score of 61.74 substantially exceeds neighboring Dubuque (65.36—comparable), Buchanan, and Clayton counties, making Delaware a regional flooding hotspot. Tornado risks align closely with neighbors, but Delaware's water vulnerability stands apart in the immediate region. The county's riverine geography and tributary networks create above-average water hazard exposure.
Flooding Is Your Primary Concern Here
Flood risk at 61.74 dominates Delaware County's hazard profile, reflecting proximity to the Turkey River and multiple creek systems that regularly overflow during spring snowmelt and heavy rain. Tornado risk at 58.46 requires standard severe weather preparedness but remains secondary to flood planning. Wildfire risk at 12.44 is minimal and earthquake risk at 24.62 presents negligible concern for most residents.
Flood Insurance Is Essential for Delaware
If you're in or near a flood-prone area, flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is critical—standard homeowner's policies explicitly exclude flood damage. Obtain an elevation certificate for your property and understand your local flood zone; many Delaware properties sit in mapped flood zones requiring mandatory coverage. Create a family flood evacuation plan and monitor weather alerts during spring months and heavy rain events.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Delaware County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Delaware County
Risk Verdict
With a national percentile rank of 50th, Delaware County faces below-average hazard exposure relative to U.S. counties as a whole. A preparedness foundation — alert registration, household communication plan, and a basic supply review — costs little and remains valuable even at Delaware County's favorable 50th percentile ranking.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Delaware County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 62th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 58th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (25th percentile), hurricane (19th percentile), wildfire (12th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With flood risk ranking at the 62th percentile nationally, Delaware County residents face one of the most financially damaging hazards without specialized coverage. Flood insurance through the NFIP or a private carrier is worth evaluating regardless of current mortgage requirements. Secondary tornado exposure at the 58th percentile adds a second preparedness layer; households should review coverage options and alert sign-up for both hazard types. Registering for Delaware County's county emergency alert system — typically through the county emergency management office's website — ensures households receive early warning when flood events develop faster than forecast.
Regional Context
At 10.1 points above the Iowa state average, Delaware County carries meaningfully higher natural disaster exposure than a typical Iowa county.
Is your household prepared for Delaware County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Delaware County, IA?
What types of natural hazards affect Delaware County?
How does Delaware County risk compare to the Iowa average?
Is Delaware County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Delaware 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.