Des Moines County Disaster Risk
Des Moines County, Iowa
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
56th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#22
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 43% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 69% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 57% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 15% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Des Moines County, Iowa
Des Moines County: Above-Average Risk Profile
Des Moines County's composite risk score of 55.79 places it "Relatively Low" but well above Iowa's state average of 39.68, driven by tornado (69.40) and flood (56.04) exposure. The county also faces notably elevated earthquake risk at 56.71—the highest among Des Moines's peer counties—creating a three-threat profile unusual in the state. This combination reflects Des Moines's location along the Mississippi River and proximity to seismic zones.
Upper-Middle Risk Tier with Unique Quake Exposure
Des Moines County ranks in the upper-middle range of Iowa's disaster risk landscape, distinguished by extremely high tornado exposure (69.40) and unusually elevated earthquake risk (56.71) for eastern Iowa. This earthquake risk substantially exceeds state norms and reflects Des Moines's proximity to historical seismic activity zones. The combination of tornado, flood, and earthquake threats creates a multifaceted risk environment few other Iowa counties face.
Quake Risk Sets Des Moines Apart Regionally
Des Moines County's earthquake score of 56.71 far exceeds neighboring Louisa, Jefferson, and Henry counties, creating a distinctive seismic vulnerability within the region. Tornado and flood risks align more closely with neighbors, but Des Moines's earthquake exposure is regionally exceptional. This elevated seismic risk, combined with strong tornado exposure, distinguishes Des Moines from surrounding counties.
Tornadoes, Earthquakes, and Floods Converge
Tornado risk at 69.40 ranks among Iowa's highest, requiring robust safe room preparation and active weather monitoring during severe weather season. Earthquake risk at 56.71 is exceptionally high for the region, making home seismic assessment and securing heavy furniture a practical priority. Flood risk at 56.04 reflects Mississippi River proximity and tributary exposure, affecting low-lying properties year-round.
Multi-Hazard Preparedness Is Critical
Secure your home's foundation and anchor heavy furniture to walls to mitigate earthquake damage, a priority no other nearby county faces with equal urgency. Install a basement safe room for tornado protection and maintain flood insurance if within a mapped flood zone. Review your homeowner's policy for earthquake coverage options—many require separate endorsements—and update your plan annually.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Des Moines County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Des Moines County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard pressure in Des Moines County is below the national midpoint, with a composite score at the 56th percentile. Proactive emergency planning and awareness of the specific hazards driving Des Moines County's score can meaningfully reduce household risk.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Des Moines County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 69th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 57th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (56th percentile), wildfire (43th percentile), hurricane (15th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With tornado ranked at the 69th percentile nationally, Des Moines County sits in a high-exposure zone where the difference between outcomes often comes down to proximity to a reinforced interior shelter and seconds of warning time. Alongside tornado exposure, earthquake at the 57th percentile nationally means Des Moines County households face multi-hazard severe-weather seasons that benefit from a single integrated emergency plan covering both threats. For Des Moines County households, safe rooms certified to FEMA 320/361 standards offer the highest protection during a direct tornado hit; households without a safe room should locate the innermost lowest-floor room in their building and practice the route to it before storm season.
Regional Context
Des Moines County is 16.1 composite risk points above the Iowa average, indicating that residents face greater natural hazard exposure than most of their in-state neighbors.
Is your household prepared for Des Moines County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Des Moines County, IA?
What types of natural hazards affect Des Moines County?
How does Des Moines County risk compare to the Iowa average?
Is Des Moines County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Des Moines 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.