Keokuk County Disaster Risk
Keokuk County, Iowa
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
22th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#83
of 99 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
30th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 30% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 44% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 42% 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 10% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Keokuk County, Iowa
Keokuk County ranks among nation's safest
Keokuk County's composite risk score of 21.85 is substantially below the national average of 39.68, earning a very low risk rating. The county experiences minimal natural disaster exposure compared to American counties overall.
Iowa's second-safest county overall
Keokuk County scores 21.85, significantly below Iowa's state average of 39.68, placing it near the top of the safety rankings. The county's very low rating reflects minimal hazard exposure across nearly all disaster categories.
Safest county in its region
Keokuk County's score of 21.85 is notably lower than neighboring Jefferson County (27.07) and substantially below Lee County (62.95). The county stands as the safest area in south-central Iowa for natural disaster risk.
Wildfire and tornado risks are minimal
Wildfire risk at 44.37 represents Keokuk County's most elevated hazard, though still moderate in absolute terms. Tornado risk scores 42.27, and together these represent the county's primary natural disaster concerns.
Basic coverage meets most residents' needs
Keokuk County's very low composite risk means standard homeowners insurance adequately protects most properties. Ensure your policy covers wind damage, and maintain clearance around your home to minimize wildfire exposure risk.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Keokuk County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Keokuk County
Risk Verdict
Compared to the nation's 3,144 counties, Keokuk County ranks at the 22th percentile for natural disaster risk — toward the safer end of the spectrum. Being ranked at the 22th percentile nationally is an advantage for Keokuk County — it means fewer statistically likely events, though basic readiness ensures households are covered when exceptions occur.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Keokuk County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 44th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 42th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (30th percentile), earthquake (22th percentile), hurricane (10th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Keokuk County sits at the 44th percentile for wildfire exposure. Signing up for Keokuk County's county emergency alert system and knowing the pre-planned evacuation route before conditions deteriorate are the two highest-value preparedness actions for residents here. Alongside wildfire, tornado at the 42th percentile nationally means a multi-season preparedness mindset — fire season and flood or storm season often require different household plans. In Keokuk County, wildfire smoke often precedes the flame front by hours or days; households benefit from tracking EPA's AirNow.gov and having HEPA air filtration available as a first line of indoor protection when air quality alerts are issued.
Regional Context
At 17.8 points below the Iowa state average, Keokuk County is among the lower-risk counties in the state for natural disaster exposure.
Is your household prepared for Keokuk County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Keokuk County, IA?
What types of natural hazards affect Keokuk County?
How does Keokuk County risk compare to the Iowa average?
Is Keokuk County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Keokuk 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.