Ida County Disaster Risk
Ida County, Iowa
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
18th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#89
of 99 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
18th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 18% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 20% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 59% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 6% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Ida County, Iowa
Ida: Very Low Risk County
Ida County's composite risk score of 18.35 ranks in the Very Low category, well below both Iowa's state average of 39.68 and the national average. The county's hazard profile reflects modest exposure to most natural disaster types.
Among Iowa's Safest Communities
Ida ranks among Iowa's lower-risk counties, its 18.35 composite score substantially below the state average. The county demonstrates consistent low-to-moderate exposure across its primary hazard categories.
Safer Than Most Regional Peers
Ida's neighbors show higher risk: Harrison (31.30), Hardin (58.40), and Iowa (28.24) all exceed Ida's 18.35 score. Only Howard County (15.59) ranks safer in the immediate region, making Ida one of the area's most protected communities.
Tornado Risk Ida's Main Concern
Tornado risk (59.10) is Ida's highest hazard exposure, scoring notably above state averages. Flood (18.45) and wildfire (20.17) risks remain well below regional benchmarks, while earthquake exposure is minimal.
Tornado Insurance Is Key Priority
Ida residents should verify homeowners policies include wind and tornado coverage, addressing the county's primary hazard. Develop a family tornado plan, maintain emergency supplies, and review your coverage limits annually to ensure adequate protection against the county's main natural disaster risk.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Ida County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Ida County
Risk Verdict
Compared to the nation's 3,144 counties, Ida County ranks at the 18th percentile for natural disaster risk — toward the safer end of the spectrum. Even at the 18th percentile, Ida County's composite score reflects real hazard exposure categories — knowing which ones apply locally enables targeted, efficient household preparedness.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Ida County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 59th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 20th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (18th percentile), earthquake (6th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Tornado exposure at the 59th percentile nationally makes Ida County a county where a battery-powered weather radio — not just smartphone apps — is a worthwhile household investment, given that mobile networks often fail during severe storms. Alongside tornado exposure, wildfire at the 20th percentile nationally means Ida County households face multi-hazard severe-weather seasons that benefit from a single integrated emergency plan covering both threats. In Ida County, tornado watches indicate favorable atmospheric conditions while warnings mean rotation has been detected — households benefit from understanding this distinction so they shelter immediately on a warning, not after seeking visual confirmation.
Regional Context
At 21.3 points below the Iowa state average, Ida County is among the lower-risk counties in the state for natural disaster exposure.
Is your household prepared for Ida County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Ida County, IA?
What types of natural hazards affect Ida County?
How does Ida County risk compare to the Iowa average?
Is Ida County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Ida 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.