Harrison County Disaster Risk
Harrison County, Iowa
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
31th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#61
of 99 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
37th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 37% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 60% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 60% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 12% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 0% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Harrison County, Iowa
Harrison: Low Risk, Wildfire Concern
Harrison County's composite risk score of 31.30 sits in the Very Low category and below Iowa's state average of 39.68. However, the county's wildfire risk (59.80) is notably elevated compared to most U.S. counties, reflecting unique exposure to dry-season fire threats.
Safe Overall, But Wildfire-Prone
Harrison ranks safely within Iowa's risk landscape overall, but its wildfire score of 59.80 significantly exceeds the state average. For fire risk specifically, Harrison stands among the state's more vulnerable counties, unusual for this agricultural region.
Wildfire Sets Harrison Apart
While neighbors Hancock (28.79) and Henry (30.85) have lower composite scores, Harrison's wildfire risk (59.80) substantially exceeds theirs. Ida County (18.35) faces far less fire risk, making Harrison's landscape and vegetation patterns a distinguishing factor in the region.
Wildfire and Tornado Risks Peak
Wildfire (59.80) and tornado (60.08) risks are nearly equal as Harrison's top threats, both scoring above regional norms. Flood risk (37.02) presents a secondary concern, while earthquake and hurricane exposures remain minimal.
Prepare for Fire and Storm Damage
Harrison residents should verify homeowners coverage includes wind and fire damage, and clear vegetation near structures to reduce wildfire risk. Maintain adequate emergency supplies, develop a family evacuation plan for both wildfires and severe storms, and review policy limits annually given the county's dual hazards.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Harrison County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Harrison County
Risk Verdict
Harrison County's overall natural disaster score at the 31th percentile puts it well below the national median for hazard exposure. A 31th percentile score positions Harrison County among the nation's lower-risk counties, a genuinely favorable outcome — one that simple, low-cost preparedness habits can reinforce further.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Harrison County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 60th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 60th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (37th percentile), earthquake (12th percentile), hurricane (0th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With tornado ranked at the 60th percentile nationally, Harrison County sits in a high-exposure zone where the difference between outcomes often comes down to proximity to a reinforced interior shelter and seconds of warning time. Wildfire is the second hazard driver for Harrison County at the 60th percentile nationally, meaning households should maintain awareness of both severe-weather and wildfire-specific warning systems. For Harrison County households, safe rooms certified to FEMA 320/361 standards offer the highest protection during a direct tornado hit; households without a safe room should locate the innermost lowest-floor room in their building and practice the route to it before storm season.
Regional Context
Harrison County's composite risk score sits 8.4 points below the Iowa county average, reflecting a more favorable hazard environment than the state typical.
Is your household prepared for Harrison County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Harrison County, IA?
What types of natural hazards affect Harrison County?
How does Harrison County risk compare to the Iowa average?
Is Harrison County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Harrison 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.