Guthrie County Disaster Risk
Guthrie County, Iowa
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
27th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#74
of 99 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
22th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 22% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 39% 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 9% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 10% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Guthrie County, Iowa
Guthrie faces below-average US risk
Guthrie County's composite risk score of 26.53 sits below the national average, earning a "Very Low" risk rating. The county experiences less natural disaster exposure than typical American communities, though local tornado activity warrants attention.
Below Iowa's typical hazard level
Guthrie County scores 26.53 compared to Iowa's 39.68 state average, placing it among the safer counties statewide. The county maintains lower natural disaster risk than most of its peers across the state.
Central Iowa's moderately safe county
Guthrie County's 26.53 score ranks it safer than Fayette (50.89) and Hamilton (42.91) counties to the east, but slightly riskier than Fremont (14.98) and Grundy (13.14) to the south. It occupies the middle-safety tier in its region.
Wildfire and tornado tie for concern
Wildfire risk scores 39.09 in Guthrie County, unusually high compared to most Iowa counties and the county's primary natural hazard. Tornado risk follows at 64.12, creating a dual threat from wind-driven events requiring distinct preparedness strategies.
Manage wildfire and tornado risks
Guthrie County residents should ensure homeowners insurance explicitly covers tornado and wind damage, plus maintain defensible space around homes during fire season. Develop a tornado safety plan and stay alert to wildfire conditions during drought periods, which pose elevated seasonal risk.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Guthrie County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Guthrie County
Risk Verdict
At the 27th percentile nationally, Guthrie County experiences relatively limited natural hazard pressure compared to most of the country. At the 27th percentile, Guthrie County's risk profile is among the more manageable in the country — the hazard-specific breakdown above shows where any remaining preparedness focus is best directed.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Guthrie County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 64th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 39th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (22th percentile), hurricane (10th percentile), earthquake (9th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Guthrie County ranks at the 64th percentile nationally for tornado exposure. Unlike many slow-onset hazards, tornadoes in Guthrie County can reach full intensity in minutes; a pre-practiced household shelter plan matters far more than stockpiled supplies. The secondary wildfire hazard at the 39th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Guthrie County's preparedness calendar, since wildfire and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. Guthrie County county emergency management typically publishes annual severe-weather preparedness guides tailored to local tornado patterns; households benefit from reviewing these before storm season begins each spring.
Regional Context
A composite score 13.1 points below the Iowa state average puts Guthrie County in a better-than-typical position relative to neighboring counties.
Is your household prepared for Guthrie County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Guthrie County, IA?
What types of natural hazards affect Guthrie County?
How does Guthrie County risk compare to the Iowa average?
Is Guthrie County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Guthrie 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.