Lucas County Disaster Risk
Lucas County, Iowa
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
30th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#66
of 99 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
23th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 23% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 55% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 57% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 24% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 8% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Lucas County, Iowa
Lucas County maintains very low risk
Lucas County's composite risk score of 29.68 sits 25 percent below Iowa's state average of 39.68, placing it in the very low risk category. This moderate cushion below the state average suggests residents face fewer natural disaster threats than typical Iowans.
Among Iowa's safer counties
Lucas ranks in the lower half of Iowa's 99 counties for disaster risk, with only a handful of counties posting lower scores. This favorable standing reflects the county's generally moderate exposure to the most damaging weather events.
Slightly higher risk than Louisa or Lyon
Lucas's score of 29.68 exceeds both Louisa County (17.46) and Lyon County (19.18), though all three form a cluster of southeast Iowa's safest counties. Marion County (34.35) to the north presents marginally higher risk, illustrating how hazard exposure shifts across the region.
Tornadoes and wildfires warrant attention
Tornado risk at 57.28 represents your most significant threat, particularly during spring and early summer. Wildfire risk of 54.58 is also noteworthy given Iowa's prairie history, though neither approaches the severity seen in higher-risk counties.
Standard policies cover most hazards well
Your relatively low-risk profile means standard homeowners insurance typically offers adequate protection without premium customization. Ensure your policy includes wind and hail coverage for tornado exposure, and review coverage limits every few years.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Lucas County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Lucas County
Risk Verdict
Lucas County's natural disaster risk is among the lowest in the country, with a composite score at the 30th percentile nationally. At the 30th percentile, Lucas County's risk profile is among the more manageable in the country — the hazard-specific breakdown above shows where any remaining preparedness focus is best directed.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Lucas County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 57th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 55th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (24th percentile), flood (23th percentile), hurricane (8th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Tornado risk is Lucas County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 57th percentile nationally. For Lucas County households, the most protective action available is identifying a reinforced interior room on the lowest floor — a bathroom, closet, or central hallway away from windows. Alongside tornado exposure, wildfire at the 55th percentile nationally means Lucas County households face multi-hazard severe-weather seasons that benefit from a single integrated emergency plan covering both threats. A battery-powered NOAA All Hazards weather radio with an auto-alert tone is the highest-leverage single item for tornado preparedness in Lucas County, since it delivers warnings even when power is out and phone networks are congested.
Regional Context
The Iowa county average exceeds Lucas County's score by 10.0 composite points — placing this county in the lower-risk tier relative to its in-state peers.
Is your household prepared for Lucas County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Lucas County, IA?
What types of natural hazards affect Lucas County?
How does Lucas County risk compare to the Iowa average?
Is Lucas County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Lucas 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.