Lee County Disaster Risk
Lee County, Iowa
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
63th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#13
of 99 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
70th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 70% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 49% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 70% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 56% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 18% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Lee County, Iowa
Lee County faces substantially elevated risk
Lee County's composite risk score of 62.95 exceeds the national average of 39.68 by 59%, earning a relatively low risk rating. The county experiences above-average natural disaster exposure, particularly for flooding and tornadoes.
Second-highest risk county in Iowa
Lee County scores 62.95, far above Iowa's state average of 39.68, placing it second only to Johnson County (87.44) in state risk rankings. Flood risk at 70.39 and tornado risk at 70.32 represent Iowa's second-highest exposure to these threats.
Substantially higher risk than surrounding areas
Lee County's score of 62.95 greatly exceeds neighboring Jefferson County (27.07) and Keokuk County (21.85). The county faces nearly triple the composite risk of adjacent areas, reflecting exceptional hazard concentration.
Flooding and tornadoes pose major threats
Lee County residents face flood risk of 70.39 and tornado risk of 70.32, both among the state's highest exposures. These dual threats require serious preparedness planning, particularly during spring severe weather and seasonal high-water periods.
Comprehensive coverage essential for Lee County
With flood risk at 70.39 and tornado risk at 70.32, homeowners must secure both comprehensive storm coverage and separate flood insurance. Ensure your policies include full wind, hail, and water damage protection, and invest in home hardening for maximum safety.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Lee County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Lee County
Risk Verdict
With a national percentile rank of 63th, Lee County faces below-average hazard exposure relative to U.S. counties as a whole. Above-average risk does not mean imminent danger; it signals that informed, hazard-specific preparedness has high value here.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Lee County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 70th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 70th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (56th percentile), wildfire (49th percentile), hurricane (18th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With flood risk ranking at the 70th percentile nationally, Lee County residents face one of the most financially damaging hazards without specialized coverage. Flood insurance through the NFIP or a private carrier is worth evaluating regardless of current mortgage requirements. The county's second-ranked hazard, tornado at the 70th percentile nationally, means Lee County residents face compounding risks from multiple natural hazard types during peak seasons. Registering for Lee County's county emergency alert system — typically through the county emergency management office's website — ensures households receive early warning when flood events develop faster than forecast.
Regional Context
At 23.3 points above the Iowa state average, Lee County carries meaningfully higher natural disaster exposure than a typical Iowa county.
Is your household prepared for Lee County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Lee County, IA?
What types of natural hazards affect Lee County?
How does Lee County risk compare to the Iowa average?
Is Lee County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Lee County higher risk than average?
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.