Iowa County Disaster Risk
Iowa County, Iowa
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
28th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#70
of 99 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
33th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 33% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 61% 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 26% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 11% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Iowa County, Iowa
Iowa County: Low Risk, Moderate Wildfire
Iowa County's composite risk score of 28.24 sits in the Very Low category and below Iowa's state average of 39.68. The county's profile reflects generally modest hazard exposure, though wildfire risk stands notably elevated for the region.
Safe Overall With Fire Concerns
Iowa County ranks safely within the state's natural disaster landscape, but its wildfire score of 61.13 significantly exceeds the state average. This high fire risk is unusual for the county's agricultural region and merits specific attention.
Wildfire Risk Stands Out
Iowa County's neighbors Hancock (6.58 wildfire), Howard (9.26), and Humboldt (5.06) face far lower fire risks, making Iowa's 61.13 score a regional outlier. Only Harrison County (59.80) approaches Iowa's fire exposure, suggesting certain landscape characteristics drive elevated wildfire vulnerability in this micro-region.
Wildfire and Tornado Risks Peak
Wildfire (61.13) and tornado (59.89) risks are Iowa County's primary hazards, both scoring well above state averages. Flood (32.60) and earthquake (26.21) risks are secondary but notable, while hurricane exposure remains minimal.
Prioritize Fire and Storm Coverage
Iowa County residents must ensure comprehensive homeowners coverage for both fire and wind damage, given the county's elevated wildfire and tornado exposure. Clear vegetation near structures, maintain defensible space, develop a family evacuation plan, and keep important documents in a fireproof safe.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Iowa County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Iowa County
Risk Verdict
Natural disaster exposure in Iowa County is lower than roughly three-quarters of U.S. counties, with a composite score at the 28th percentile. A preparedness foundation — alert registration, household communication plan, and a basic supply review — costs little and remains valuable even at Iowa County's favorable 28th percentile ranking.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Iowa County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 61th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 60th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (33th percentile), earthquake (26th percentile), hurricane (11th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 61th percentile nationally for wildfire, Iowa County residents should verify whether their insurance policy includes replacement cost coverage for structures and whether the insurer still writes new policies in this fire-risk zone. Alongside wildfire, tornado at the 60th percentile nationally means a multi-season preparedness mindset — fire season and flood or storm season often require different household plans. Local USFS or Cal Fire (where applicable) fire risk maps and seasonal Red Flag Warning alerts from the National Weather Service are two free resources Iowa County residents can use to stay ahead of rapidly changing wildfire conditions.
Regional Context
Iowa County is 11.4 composite risk points below the Iowa state mean, meaning most other Iowa counties face higher natural hazard exposure.
Is your household prepared for Iowa County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Iowa County, IA?
What types of natural hazards affect Iowa County?
How does Iowa County risk compare to the Iowa average?
Is Iowa County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Iowa 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.