Hardin County Disaster Risk
Hardin County, Iowa
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
58th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#19
of 99 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
53th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 53% 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 72% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 20% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 19% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Hardin County, Iowa
Hardin: Higher Risk Than Most
Hardin County's composite risk score of 58.40 earns a Relatively Low rating but sits well above Iowa's state average of 39.68. This score reflects elevated exposure to several hazard types, particularly tornadoes and flooding, compared to the national baseline.
Among Iowa's Riskier Counties
Hardin ranks in the upper half of Iowa counties for natural disaster risk, significantly exceeding the state average. The county faces notably higher tornado (72.17) and flood (52.86) risks than most of its Hawkeye peers.
Hardin Stands Out for Risk
Hardin's neighbors like Hancock (28.79) and Howard (15.59) face substantially lower overall risk, making Hardin notably more exposed to natural disasters. Its 58.40 score reflects higher-than-regional-average threats, particularly from severe storms and water events.
Tornadoes and Floods Lead Threats
Tornado risk (72.17) is Hardin's most serious natural hazard, nearly 50% higher than Hancock County's. Flood risk (52.86) ranks second and significantly exceeds state averages, making both severe weather and water management critical concerns for residents.
Prioritize Flood and Storm Coverage
Hardin residents must secure both comprehensive homeowners insurance and separate flood insurance, as standard policies exclude flood damage. Document your home's contents, maintain a weather alert system, and identify a storm shelter to prepare for the county's elevated tornado and flood exposure.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Hardin County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Hardin County
Risk Verdict
With a national percentile rank of 58th, Hardin County faces below-average hazard exposure relative to U.S. counties as a whole. Above-average risk does not mean imminent danger; it signals that informed, hazard-specific preparedness has high value here.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Hardin County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 72th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 53th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (39th percentile), earthquake (20th percentile), hurricane (19th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 72th percentile nationally for tornado risk, Hardin 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. The secondary flood hazard at the 53th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Hardin County's preparedness calendar, since flood and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. For Hardin 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
At 18.7 points above the Iowa state average, Hardin County carries meaningfully higher natural disaster exposure than a typical Iowa county.
Is your household prepared for Hardin County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Hardin County, IA?
What types of natural hazards affect Hardin County?
How does Hardin County risk compare to the Iowa average?
Is Hardin County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Hardin 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.