Jackson County Disaster Risk
Jackson County, Iowa
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
36th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#50
of 99 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
43th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 43% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 36% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 55% 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 Jackson County, Iowa
Jackson County's composite risk rated very low
Jackson County scores 36.07 on the composite risk index, well below the national average of 39.68, putting it in the very low risk category. This favorable rating reflects relatively moderate exposure to multiple natural hazards compared to counties nationwide.
Among Iowa's safer counties for disasters
Jackson County ranks favorably within Iowa, with a composite score of 36.07 versus the state average of 39.68. The county's very low risk designation places it well-positioned among its peers statewide.
Lower risk than surrounding counties
Jackson County's score of 36.07 is substantially lower than neighboring Jasper County (43.67) and comparable to Jones County (32.67). The county benefits from more moderate hazard exposure than several adjacent areas.
Tornadoes and flooding demand attention here
Tornado risk scores 54.77 in Jackson County, representing the most significant weather threat residents face. Flood risk at 43.32 presents the second major concern, requiring awareness of seasonal precipitation patterns and stream conditions.
Secure coverage for tornado and flood threats
With tornado risk at 54.77, homeowners should ensure comprehensive coverage that includes wind and hail damage protection. Adding flood insurance is prudent given the county's 43.32 flood risk score, especially for properties in vulnerable drainage areas.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Jackson County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Jackson County
Risk Verdict
Jackson County sits in the lower tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure, ranked at the 36th percentile nationally. At the 36th percentile, Jackson County's risk profile is among the more manageable in the country — the hazard-specific breakdown above shows where any remaining preparedness focus is best directed.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Jackson County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 55th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 43th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (36th percentile), earthquake (26th percentile), hurricane (11th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 55th percentile nationally for tornado risk, Jackson County households benefit most from a reliable alert system — a NOAA weather radio that activates during overnight hours when residents may not be checking smartphone alerts. Flood is the second hazard driver for Jackson County at the 43th percentile nationally, meaning households should maintain awareness of both severe-weather and flood-specific warning systems. For Jackson County households, a pre-decided family shelter plan — who goes where, how children are retrieved from school during a warning, and a neighborhood meet-up point if phones fail — provides real protection that no supply kit alone can replicate.
Regional Context
Jackson County tracks the Iowa county average closely, sitting 3.6 composite points below the state mean — neither a standout high-risk nor low-risk county within Iowa.
Is your household prepared for Jackson County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Jackson County, IA?
What types of natural hazards affect Jackson County?
How does Jackson County risk compare to the Iowa average?
Is Jackson County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Jackson 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.