Kossuth County Disaster Risk
Kossuth County, Iowa
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
32th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#58
of 99 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
27th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 27% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 13% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 61% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 11% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Kossuth County, Iowa
Kossuth County maintains very low overall risk
Kossuth County's composite risk score of 32.25 sits below the national average of 39.68, earning a very low risk rating. The county experiences minimal exposure to most major natural hazards compared to American counties overall.
Among Iowa's safest counties overall
Kossuth County scores 32.25, 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 assessed hazard categories.
Comparable risk to nearby counties
Kossuth County's score of 32.25 is similar to neighboring Jackson County (36.07) and Jones County (32.67). The county experiences relatively consistent hazard exposure patterns with other north-central Iowa areas.
Tornado threat dominates hazard landscape
Tornado risk scores 61.13 in Kossuth County, representing the most significant natural disaster threat residents face. Other hazards remain substantially lower, with wildfire risk at just 13.30—among the state's lowest.
Prioritize tornado and storm coverage
With tornado risk at 61.13, homeowners should ensure comprehensive coverage for wind, hail, and storm damage. Kossuth County's low risk for other hazards means standard homeowners insurance typically provides adequate protection for most residents.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Kossuth County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Kossuth County
Risk Verdict
Natural disaster exposure in Kossuth County is lower than roughly three-quarters of U.S. counties, with a composite score at the 32th percentile. At the 32th percentile nationally, Kossuth County's natural hazard profile is comparatively favorable — community resilience is reinforced when individual households maintain a reviewed emergency plan.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Kossuth County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 61th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 27th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (13th percentile), earthquake (11th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Ranked at the 61th percentile nationally for tornado risk, Kossuth County is in a zone where storm shelters have the highest per-dollar protective value of any mitigation investment. Kossuth County's county shelter map is typically available through the local emergency management office. Flood is the second hazard driver for Kossuth County at the 27th percentile nationally, meaning households should maintain awareness of both severe-weather and flood-specific warning systems. Kossuth County residents can check the county's emergency management website for community shelter locations nearest their address — a step worth completing now, not during a warning.
Regional Context
Kossuth County is 7.4 composite risk points below the Iowa state mean, meaning most other Iowa counties face higher natural hazard exposure.
Is your household prepared for Kossuth County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Kossuth County, IA?
What types of natural hazards affect Kossuth County?
How does Kossuth County risk compare to the Iowa average?
Is Kossuth County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Kossuth 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.