Howard County Disaster Risk
Howard County, Iowa
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
16th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#92
of 99 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
25th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 25% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 9% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 41% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 7% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 10% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Howard County, Iowa
Howard: Iowa's Safest County
Howard County's composite risk score of 15.59 ranks as the Very Low category and well below both Iowa's state average of 39.68 and the national average. This makes Howard one of the state's safest communities for natural disaster exposure.
Lowest Risk County in Iowa
Howard County ranks among Iowa's least hazard-prone communities, with a composite score substantially below the state average. The county's protection across multiple hazard categories makes it a comparative safe haven within the state.
Safest in Its Regional Peer Group
Howard's neighbors face notably higher risks: Hancock (28.79), Hardin (58.40), and Henry (30.85) all exceed Howard's 15.59 score. Howard stands out as the safest community in its immediate region, with minimal exposure across nearly all hazard types.
Tornado Risk Remains Moderate
Despite Howard's overall low-risk profile, tornado risk (40.59) remains its highest hazard exposure. Flood (25.41) and wildfire (9.26) risks are substantially lower, while earthquake and hurricane threats are minimal.
Standard Coverage Sufficient
Howard residents can rely on standard homeowners insurance for most natural hazard coverage, given the county's low overall risk. Still, maintain storm alerts and a tornado safety plan; ensure your policy covers wind damage and review coverage annually.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Howard County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Howard County
Risk Verdict
Howard County's natural disaster risk is among the lowest in the country, with a composite score at the 16th percentile nationally. At the 16th percentile nationally, Howard County's natural hazard profile is comparatively favorable — community resilience is reinforced when individual households maintain a reviewed emergency plan.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Howard County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 41th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 25th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (10th percentile), wildfire (9th percentile), earthquake (7th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Tornado risk is Howard County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 41th percentile nationally. For Howard County households, the most protective action available is identifying a reinforced interior room on the lowest floor — a bathroom, closet, or central hallway away from windows. The secondary flood hazard at the 25th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Howard County's preparedness calendar, since flood and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. A battery-powered NOAA All Hazards weather radio with an auto-alert tone is the highest-leverage single item for tornado preparedness in Howard County, since it delivers warnings even when power is out and phone networks are congested.
Regional Context
The Iowa county average exceeds Howard County's score by 24.1 composite points — placing this county in the lower-risk tier relative to its in-state peers.
Is your household prepared for Howard County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Howard County, IA?
What types of natural hazards affect Howard County?
How does Howard County risk compare to the Iowa average?
Is Howard County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Howard 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.