Fayette County Disaster Risk
Fayette County, Iowa
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
51th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#24
of 99 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
59th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 59% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 14% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 72% 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 17% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Fayette County, Iowa
Fayette's risk outpaces the nation
Fayette County scores 50.89 on natural disaster risk, placing it well above the national average and earning a "Relatively Low" rating. This means residents face above-typical exposure to climate hazards compared to most American counties, though local risk remains manageable overall.
Above average for Iowa
With a composite risk score of 50.89, Fayette ranks higher than Iowa's 39.68 state average, making it among the riskier counties in the state. This elevated profile reflects Iowa's natural hazard landscape more than most neighboring counties.
Riskier than most neighbors
Fayette's 50.89 score exceeds nearby Floyd County (47.74) and Franklin County (21.95), placing it in the higher-risk tier regionally. Only Hamilton County (42.91) comes close, though it remains below Fayette's exposure level.
Tornadoes and flooding dominate
Tornado risk reaches 71.53 in Fayette County, the highest hazard in the county and significantly above state norms. Flood risk follows at 59.16, creating a dual threat that residents should actively prepare for with proper emergency plans.
Get flood and storm coverage now
Fayette residents should prioritize comprehensive homeowners insurance that explicitly covers tornado damage and wind events, plus separate flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program. Given tornado risk scores above 70, a reinforced safe room or basement shelter could save lives during severe weather events.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Fayette County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Fayette County
Risk Verdict
Fayette County's FEMA risk score places it at the 51th percentile nationally, indicating lower-than-typical exposure for a U.S. county. A moderate composite score often means one or two hazard categories are doing the heavy lifting — knowing which ones matters for preparation.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Fayette County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 72th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 59th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (19th percentile), hurricane (17th percentile), wildfire (14th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Tornado exposure at the 72th percentile nationally makes Fayette County a county where a battery-powered weather radio — not just smartphone apps — is a worthwhile household investment, given that mobile networks often fail during severe storms. The secondary flood hazard at the 59th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Fayette County's preparedness calendar, since flood and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. In Fayette County, tornado watches indicate favorable atmospheric conditions while warnings mean rotation has been detected — households benefit from understanding this distinction so they shelter immediately on a warning, not after seeking visual confirmation.
Regional Context
The Iowa county average is 11.2 composite points below Fayette County's score, a gap that reflects the county's elevated position in the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for Fayette County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Fayette County, IA?
What types of natural hazards affect Fayette County?
How does Fayette County risk compare to the Iowa average?
Is Fayette County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Fayette 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.