Franklin County Disaster Risk
Franklin County, Iowa
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
22th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#82
of 99 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
14th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 14% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 6% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 50% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 8% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 12% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Franklin County, Iowa
Franklin County faces minimal US risk
Franklin County's composite risk score of 21.95 places it well below the national average, earning a "Very Low" risk rating. The county ranks among safer American communities for natural disaster exposure, though local tornado activity remains notable.
Iowa's safer counties
Franklin County scores 21.95 compared to Iowa's 39.68 state average, placing it in the safest tier statewide. The county enjoys significantly lower natural disaster risk than most of its peers across Iowa.
One of the region's safest areas
Franklin County's 21.95 score ranks it as one of the lowest-risk counties in northeastern Iowa, well below Fayette (50.89) and Floyd (47.74) counties. Only Grundy County (13.14) and Fremont County (14.98) register lower risk in the immediate region.
Tornado risk leads other hazards
Despite low overall risk, tornado events score 50.29 in Franklin County, making them the dominant natural hazard residents face. Flood risk at 13.96 and wildfire risk at just 6.11 round out a relatively benign hazard profile compared to most US counties.
Focus on tornado preparedness
Franklin County residents should maintain standard homeowners insurance and focus tornado preparedness efforts on having a safe room plan and emergency kit. Flood risk is minimal, so extensive flood insurance may not be necessary unless property sits in a mapped floodplain.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Franklin County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Franklin County
Risk Verdict
Franklin County sits in the lower tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure, ranked at the 22th percentile nationally. At the 22th percentile nationally, Franklin County's natural hazard profile is comparatively favorable — community resilience is reinforced when individual households maintain a reviewed emergency plan.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Franklin County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 50th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 14th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (12th percentile), earthquake (8th percentile), wildfire (6th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 50th percentile nationally for tornado risk, Franklin County households benefit most from a reliable alert system — a NOAA weather radio that activates during overnight hours when residents may not be checking smartphone alerts. Alongside tornado exposure, flood at the 14th percentile nationally means Franklin County households face multi-hazard severe-weather seasons that benefit from a single integrated emergency plan covering both threats. For Franklin County households, a pre-decided family shelter plan — who goes where, how children are retrieved from school during a warning, and a neighborhood meet-up point if phones fail — provides real protection that no supply kit alone can replicate.
Regional Context
Franklin County falls 17.7 points below Iowa's typical county risk level, making it one of the safer natural-hazard environments in the state.
Is your household prepared for Franklin County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Franklin County, IA?
What types of natural hazards affect Franklin County?
How does Franklin County risk compare to the Iowa average?
Is Franklin County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Franklin 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.