Henry County Disaster Risk
Henry County, Iowa
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
31th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#63
of 99 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
27th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 27% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 48% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 49% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 44% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 16% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Henry County, Iowa
Henry: Low Risk With Unique Threats
Henry County's composite risk score of 30.85 falls in the Very Low category, sitting below Iowa's state average of 39.68. However, the county's earthquake risk (43.64) is notably high for the Midwest, reflecting its location near seismic zones.
Safe Overall, Elevated Earthquake Risk
Henry ranks well within Iowa's natural disaster risk landscape, but its earthquake score of 43.64 significantly exceeds the state average. This unusual exposure stems from Henry's position in a region with above-average seismic activity.
Earthquake Risk Distinguishes Henry
Henry's neighbors Hancock (11.39 earthquake risk) and Howard (6.84) face far lower seismic exposure, making Henry's 43.64 score a regional outlier. Iowa County (26.21) also has elevated earthquake risk but less than Henry, suggesting localized seismic vulnerability in this area.
Wildfire, Tornado, and Earthquakes
Wildfire (47.93), tornado (48.54), and earthquake (43.64) risks cluster as Henry's primary hazards, all scoring above 40. Flood risk (26.72) is lower but still notable, while hurricane exposure is minimal.
Address Earthquake and Storm Risks
Henry residents should verify homeowners insurance covers wind and fire, and consider earthquake insurance given the county's above-average seismic exposure. Secure heavy furniture and appliances, maintain gas line shut-off capability, and test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors regularly.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Henry County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Henry County
Risk Verdict
Henry County carries a low natural disaster risk burden, scoring at the 31th percentile under the FEMA National Risk Index. Being ranked at the 31th percentile nationally is an advantage for Henry County — it means fewer statistically likely events, though basic readiness ensures households are covered when exceptions occur.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Henry County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 49th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 48th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (44th percentile), flood (27th percentile), hurricane (16th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Henry County's primary hazard, tornado, ranks at the 49th percentile nationally. In Henry County, mobile homes and manufactured housing face significantly higher tornado risk than site-built structures; residents in these homes should identify the nearest permanent community shelter in advance. Alongside tornado exposure, wildfire at the 48th percentile nationally means Henry County households face multi-hazard severe-weather seasons that benefit from a single integrated emergency plan covering both threats. The highest-risk window for tornado fatalities is overnight, when Henry County residents may be asleep. A NOAA weather radio with overnight alert capability is the single most impactful low-cost preparedness step available to Henry County households.
Regional Context
Compared to the Iowa county average, Henry County's composite score runs 8.8 points lower — a gap that reflects the county's relatively modest hazard profile within its state context.
Is your household prepared for Henry County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Henry County, IA?
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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.