Jones County Disaster Risk
Jones County, Iowa
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
33th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#57
of 99 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
46th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 46% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 27% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 51% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 22% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 9% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Jones County, Iowa
Jones County maintains very low risk profile
Jones County's composite risk score of 32.67 sits well below the national average of 39.68, earning a very low risk rating. The county experiences minimal exposure to major natural hazards relative to American counties overall.
Among Iowa's safest counties statewide
Jones County scores 32.67, well below Iowa's state average of 39.68, positioning it in the lower-risk tier of state counties. The very low rating reflects balanced, moderate exposure across most hazard categories.
Safer than most surrounding counties
Jones County's score of 32.67 is lower than neighboring Jackson County (36.07) and substantially below Jasper County (43.67). The county benefits from relatively moderate hazard exposure compared to adjacent areas.
Flooding and tornadoes present main concerns
Flood risk scores 46.41 in Jones County, representing the primary natural disaster threat to residents. Tornado risk at 50.95 presents a secondary but notable concern during severe weather seasons.
Standard protections sufficient for Jones County
Jones County's low composite risk means standard homeowners coverage provides solid protection for most residents. Ensure your policy includes wind and hail coverage for tornado protection, and consider flood insurance for properties in flood-prone areas.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Jones County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Jones County
Risk Verdict
At the 33th percentile nationally, Jones County experiences relatively limited natural hazard pressure compared to most of the country. A 33th percentile score positions Jones County among the nation's lower-risk counties, a genuinely favorable outcome — one that simple, low-cost preparedness habits can reinforce further.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Jones County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 51th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 46th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (27th percentile), earthquake (22th percentile), hurricane (9th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Jones County ranks at the 51th percentile nationally for tornado exposure. Unlike many slow-onset hazards, tornadoes in Jones County can reach full intensity in minutes; a pre-practiced household shelter plan matters far more than stockpiled supplies. Alongside tornado exposure, flood at the 46th percentile nationally means Jones County households face multi-hazard severe-weather seasons that benefit from a single integrated emergency plan covering both threats. Jones 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 7.0 points below the Iowa state average puts Jones County in a better-than-typical position relative to neighboring counties.
Is your household prepared for Jones County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Jones County, IA?
What types of natural hazards affect Jones County?
How does Jones County risk compare to the Iowa average?
Is Jones County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Jones 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.