Hancock County Disaster Risk
Hancock County, Iowa
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
29th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#68
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 7% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 51% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 11% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 0% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Hancock County, Iowa
Hancock: Well Below National Risk
Hancock County's composite risk score of 28.79 puts it in the Very Low category, significantly safer than the national average. This score reflects relatively modest natural disaster threats across most hazard types, making it one of Iowa's lower-risk communities.
Among Iowa's Safest Counties
Hancock ranks favorably within Iowa, where the state average composite risk score is 39.68. The county's 28.79 score places it well below the state median, indicating lower-than-typical exposure to natural disasters for the region.
Comparing Risk With Nearby Counties
Hancock's neighbors show mixed risk profiles: Howard County (15.59) is even safer, while Hardin County (58.40) faces substantially higher tornado and flood risks. Hancock sits in the middle-to-low range of its regional peers, with notably lower flood exposure than Harrison County.
Tornado Risk Dominates Hancock's Hazards
Tornado risk is Hancock's primary concern, scoring 50.51—the county's most significant natural hazard threat. Flood risk (21.60) and wildfire risk (6.58) pose much lower dangers, while earthquake and hurricane risks are minimal to nonexistent.
Secure Your Home Against Tornadoes
Hancock residents should prioritize tornado coverage through homeowners or specialized policies, given the county's moderate tornado exposure. Standard homeowners insurance typically covers wind damage, but verify your specific coverage limits and consider a safe room or shelter to maximize family protection.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Hancock County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Hancock County
Risk Verdict
Natural disaster exposure in Hancock County is lower than roughly three-quarters of U.S. counties, with a composite score at the 29th percentile. Hancock County residents can take confidence from a 29th percentile ranking, but even lower-risk counties benefit from a practiced household communication plan and awareness of the specific hazards listed above.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Hancock County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 51th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 22th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (11th percentile), wildfire (7th percentile), hurricane (0th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Ranked at the 51th percentile nationally for tornado risk, Hancock County is in a zone where storm shelters have the highest per-dollar protective value of any mitigation investment. Hancock County's county shelter map is typically available through the local emergency management office. Alongside tornado exposure, flood at the 22th percentile nationally means Hancock County households face multi-hazard severe-weather seasons that benefit from a single integrated emergency plan covering both threats. Hancock County residents can check the county's emergency management website for community shelter locations nearest their address — a step worth completing now, not during a warning.
Regional Context
Hancock County is 10.9 composite risk points below the Iowa state mean, meaning most other Iowa counties face higher natural hazard exposure.
Is your household prepared for Hancock County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Hancock County, IA?
What types of natural hazards affect Hancock County?
How does Hancock County risk compare to the Iowa average?
Is Hancock County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Hancock 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.