riskbycounty
FEMA NRI 1.19.0Updated Nov 2023 · Coverage 2014–2023Methodology

Jasper County Disaster Risk

Jasper County, Iowa

FEMA Risk Rating

Relatively Low

National Percentile

44th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#34

of 99 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

40th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Very Low

Higher than 40% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 53% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 70% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Very Low

Higher than 28% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Very Low

Higher than 12% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Jasper County, Iowa

Jasper County faces elevated tornado risk nationally

Jasper County's composite risk score of 43.67 exceeds the national average of 39.68, earning a relatively low risk rating. The county's tornado risk of 70.29 stands as a notable concern compared to national exposure levels.

Above-average risk within Iowa's county rankings

Jasper County scores 43.67, topping the state average of 39.68 and positioning it in the upper-middle tier of Iowa counties. Tornado risk particularly stands out at 70.29, reflecting heightened exposure to severe spring weather.

Higher tornado exposure than nearby counties

Jasper County's composite score of 43.67 exceeds neighboring Jackson County (36.07) and Jones County (32.67) by notable margins. The county's tornado risk of 70.29 is substantially higher than both adjacent areas, indicating concentrated severe weather vulnerability.

Tornadoes dominate hazard landscape here

Tornado risk scores 70.29 in Jasper County, making it the primary natural disaster threat—far exceeding wildfire risk at 53.09. Residents face seasonal tornado seasons with intensity well above county averages for other hazard types.

Prioritize tornado and severe storm protection

With tornado risk at 70.29, homeowners must secure robust wind, hail, and storm damage coverage as top insurance priorities. Consider reinforcing your home's structural integrity and maintaining an accessible, well-stocked safe room for severe weather events.

Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Jasper County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    TornadoPrepare
    70th percentile
  2. #2
    WildfirePrepare
    53th percentile
  3. #3
    FloodPrepare
    40th percentile

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)

Risk Advisory: Jasper County

Risk Verdict

Natural hazard pressure in Jasper County is below the national midpoint, with a composite score at the 44th percentile. Jasper County's 44th percentile ranking is favorable, though every county carries at least one natural hazard worth knowing — reviewing the specific risks listed above helps households focus their preparedness where it matters most.

Hazard Breakdown

Tornado risk is Jasper County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 70th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 53th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (40th percentile), earthquake (28th percentile), hurricane (12th percentile).

Preparedness Context

With tornado ranked at the 70th percentile nationally, Jasper County sits in a high-exposure zone where the difference between outcomes often comes down to proximity to a reinforced interior shelter and seconds of warning time. Alongside tornado exposure, wildfire at the 53th percentile nationally means Jasper County households face multi-hazard severe-weather seasons that benefit from a single integrated emergency plan covering both threats. For Jasper County households, safe rooms certified to FEMA 320/361 standards offer the highest protection during a direct tornado hit; households without a safe room should locate the innermost lowest-floor room in their building and practice the route to it before storm season.

Regional Context

Jasper County's risk score is broadly comparable to the Iowa county average, with a 4.0-point gap that places the county near the center of the state's hazard distribution.

Is your household prepared for Jasper County's hazards?

Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.

FEMA Ready Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the natural disaster risk in Jasper County, IA?
Jasper County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Relatively Low, placing it in the 44th percentile nationally out of 3,144 counties. This composite score reflects the county's overall exposure to natural hazards including floods, wildfires, tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes, weighted by expected annual loss and social vulnerability.
What types of natural hazards affect Jasper County?
Jasper County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: tornado (70th percentile), wildfire (53th percentile), flooding (40th percentile), earthquake (28th percentile), hurricane (12th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is tornado at the 70th percentile nationally. These scores are derived from FEMA's National Risk Index, which analyzes expected annual loss, social vulnerability, and community resilience for each hazard type.
How does Jasper County risk compare to the Iowa average?
Jasper County's composite risk percentile is 44th, compared to the Iowa state average of 40th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Very Low. This means Jasper County faces higher natural disaster risk than the typical county in Iowa.
Is Jasper County at risk for tornado?
Yes, Jasper County's tornado risk is at the 70th percentile nationally. This is above the national median. For flooding specifically, Jasper County is at the 40th percentile.
How is natural disaster risk measured?
FEMA's National Risk Index (NRI) calculates risk scores for 18 natural hazard types across all U.S. counties and census tracts. The composite score combines Expected Annual Loss (estimated dollar losses from each hazard), Social Vulnerability (demographic factors affecting disaster impact), and Community Resilience (ability to recover). Percentile scores rank each county against all 3,144 U.S. counties, and risk ratings range from Very Low to Very High.
Why is Jasper County higher risk than average?
Jasper County's composite risk score of 44th percentile is above the Iowa state average of 40th percentile. This elevated risk is driven by tornado exposure (70th percentile), along with wildfire risk. Geographic location, terrain, climate patterns, and proximity to flood zones or fault lines all influence a county's risk profile.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

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.