Dubuque County Disaster Risk
Dubuque County, Iowa
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
64th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#12
of 99 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
65th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 65% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 23% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 84% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 31% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 11% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Dubuque County, Iowa
Dubuque County: Iowa's Highest-Risk County
Dubuque County scores 63.58 on the composite risk scale, earning a "Relatively Low" rating but ranking as Iowa's highest-risk county and substantially above the state average of 39.68. Tornado exposure at 84.03 is among the nation's most severe, while flood risk at 65.36 reflects the county's Mississippi River location. This dual-hazard concentration creates an exceptionally challenging natural disaster environment.
Highest Overall Risk in All of Iowa
Dubuque County consistently ranks as Iowa's most disaster-prone county, with a 63.58 composite score significantly exceeding all peers. Tornado risk at 84.03 matches the state's most extreme exposure, while flood risk at 65.36 ranks third statewide, creating a formidable combination. No other Iowa county concentrates such extreme hazard exposure across two major disaster categories.
Significantly More Vulnerable Than Region
Dubuque County's 63.58 score dramatically exceeds neighboring Delaware (49.75), Jackson, and Grant counties, establishing Dubuque as the northeastern Iowa danger zone. The county's tornado risk at 84.03 matches Dallas County as the state's joint-highest, while its flood score (65.36) surpasses all neighbors. Residents of Dubuque face substantially elevated disaster risk compared to the immediate surrounding region.
Extreme Tornado and Flood Exposure
Tornado risk at 84.03 is among the nation's highest, requiring comprehensive family preparedness including a reinforced safe room and weather alert system. Flood risk at 65.36 reflects the county's proximity to the Mississippi River and tributary networks, creating seasonal inundation hazards affecting many properties. Earthquake (31.14) and wildfire (22.81) risks are comparatively minimal but warrant standard precautions.
Dual Focus: Tornado Shelters and Flood Insurance
Install or designate a basement safe room with reinforced walls and stock emergency supplies; this is essential, not optional, in Dubuque County. Secure flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) immediately if in a flood zone—standard policies exclude flood damage entirely. Meet with a structural engineer about your home's tornado resilience and earthquake preparedness, and review insurance annually with your agent.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Dubuque County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Dubuque County
Risk Verdict
Dubuque County has a below-average natural disaster risk profile, scoring at the 64th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Households in Dubuque County benefit from knowing which individual hazard types — flood, wildfire, tornado, or hurricane — are the primary contributors.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Dubuque County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 84th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 65th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (31th percentile), wildfire (23th percentile), hurricane (11th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Tornado risk is Dubuque County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 84th percentile nationally. For Dubuque 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. Flood is the second hazard driver for Dubuque County at the 65th percentile nationally, meaning households should maintain awareness of both severe-weather and flood-specific warning systems. A battery-powered NOAA All Hazards weather radio with an auto-alert tone is the highest-leverage single item for tornado preparedness in Dubuque County, since it delivers warnings even when power is out and phone networks are congested.
Regional Context
Dubuque County's composite risk score sits 23.9 points above the Iowa county average, placing it among the more hazard-exposed counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Dubuque County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Dubuque County, IA?
What types of natural hazards affect Dubuque County?
How does Dubuque County risk compare to the Iowa average?
Is Dubuque County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Dubuque 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.