Humboldt County Disaster Risk
Humboldt County, Iowa
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
24th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#77
of 99 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
19th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 19% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 5% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 45% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 9% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 9% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Humboldt County, Iowa
Humboldt: Very Low Risk Profile
Humboldt County's composite risk score of 24.08 earns a Very Low rating, substantially below Iowa's state average of 39.68 and the national baseline. The county benefits from relatively modest exposure across most natural hazard categories.
Well Below Iowa's Risk Average
Humboldt ranks safely within Iowa's natural disaster landscape, its 24.08 score reflecting significantly lower hazard exposure than the state average. The county's profile shows consistent low-to-moderate risk across multiple hazard types.
Among the Region's Safer Counties
Humboldt's neighbors vary in risk: Hancock (28.79) and Iowa (28.24) are slightly higher, while Howard (15.59) is lower. Humboldt sits comfortably in the safer half of its regional peer group, with notably lower risk than more western neighbors like Ida.
Tornado Risk Dominates Hazards
Tornado risk (45.45) is Humboldt's primary natural hazard concern, scoring moderate compared to the state average. Flood (18.89), wildfire (5.06), and earthquake (8.56) risks all remain well below regional and state benchmarks.
Basic Coverage Provides Protection
Humboldt residents should ensure homeowners insurance covers wind and tornado damage, the county's main hazard. Annual policy reviews, a tornado safety plan, and weather alert subscriptions provide essential protection without requiring specialized coverage.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Humboldt County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Humboldt County
Risk Verdict
At the 24th percentile nationally, Humboldt County experiences relatively limited natural hazard pressure compared to most of the country. The 24th percentile national ranking is one lens; Humboldt County residents also benefit from reviewing which specific hazard types drive the county's composite score and preparing accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Humboldt County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 45th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 19th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (9th percentile), earthquake (9th percentile), wildfire (5th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Humboldt County ranks at the 45th percentile nationally for tornado exposure. Unlike many slow-onset hazards, tornadoes in Humboldt County can reach full intensity in minutes; a pre-practiced household shelter plan matters far more than stockpiled supplies. Flood is the second hazard driver for Humboldt County at the 19th percentile nationally, meaning households should maintain awareness of both severe-weather and flood-specific warning systems. Humboldt County county emergency management typically publishes annual severe-weather preparedness guides tailored to local tornado patterns; households benefit from reviewing these before storm season begins each spring.
Regional Context
A composite score 15.6 points below the Iowa state average puts Humboldt County in a better-than-typical position relative to neighboring counties.
Is your household prepared for Humboldt County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Humboldt County, IA?
What types of natural hazards affect Humboldt County?
How does Humboldt County risk compare to the Iowa average?
Is Humboldt County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Humboldt 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.