Dickinson County Disaster Risk
Dickinson County, Iowa
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
36th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#47
of 99 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
50th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 50% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 54% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 64% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 13% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Dickinson County, Iowa
Dickinson County's Modest Risk Profile
Dickinson County scores 36.32 on the composite risk scale, placing it "Very Low" and below Iowa's state average of 39.68—a favorable position in the national disaster risk landscape. Tornado exposure at 64.03 represents the county's primary hazard, while wildfire (54.23) and flood (49.87) remain moderate. Hurricane risk data is unavailable, but other categories indicate a relatively benign natural disaster environment.
Well Below Average Risk for Iowa
Dickinson County ranks in the lower half of Iowa's disaster risk distribution, with its 36.32 composite score well below the state average of 39.68. Tornado risk at 64.03 represents an above-average state hazard but remains the primary exposure, while all other categories score below or near state norms. This profile positions Dickinson among Iowa's safer counties for overall disaster preparedness.
Among Northern Iowa's Safest Counties
Dickinson County's 36.32 score matches or exceeds neighboring Emmet (42.75) and Winnebago counties in relative safety, making it one of northern Iowa's lower-risk areas. Tornado exposure at 64.03 aligns with regional patterns but remains manageable compared to counties like Dallas or Dubuque. The county's low earthquake (13.42) and wildfire (54.23) exposures contribute to its favorable regional standing.
Tornadoes Represent Primary Hazard
Tornado risk at 64.03 is Dickinson County's dominant natural disaster threat, requiring standard spring severe weather preparedness and a safe room strategy. Wildfire risk at 54.23 and flood risk at 49.87 remain secondary concerns but warrant basic property maintenance and awareness. Earthquake risk is minimal at 13.42, and hurricane data is unavailable but likely negligible for this northern Iowa location.
Tornado Prep and Routine Maintenance Suffice
Develop a family tornado plan with a designated safe room, and practice your shelter-in-place routine annually before spring storm season. Maintain clear gutters, trim trees near your home, and keep your roof in good condition to prevent weather-related damage. Standard homeowner's insurance with wind and fire coverage provides adequate protection for Dickinson County's risk profile.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Dickinson County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Dickinson County
Risk Verdict
Dickinson County carries a low natural disaster risk burden, scoring at the 36th percentile under the FEMA National Risk Index. Dickinson County's 36th percentile ranking is favorable, though every county carries at least one natural hazard worth knowing — reviewing the specific risks listed above helps households focus their preparedness where it matters most.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Dickinson County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 64th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 54th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (50th percentile), earthquake (13th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Dickinson County's primary hazard, tornado, ranks at the 64th percentile nationally. In Dickinson 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. The secondary wildfire hazard at the 54th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Dickinson County's preparedness calendar, since wildfire and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. The highest-risk window for tornado fatalities is overnight, when Dickinson County residents may be asleep. A NOAA weather radio with overnight alert capability is the single most impactful low-cost preparedness step available to Dickinson County households.
Regional Context
At 3.4 points from the Iowa county mean, Dickinson County's overall disaster risk profile is close to typical for this state, with no dramatic deviation in either direction.
Is your household prepared for Dickinson County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Dickinson County, IA?
What types of natural hazards affect Dickinson County?
How does Dickinson County risk compare to the Iowa average?
Is Dickinson County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Dickinson 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.