Lyon County Disaster Risk
Lyon County, Iowa
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
19th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#86
of 99 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
20th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 20% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 28% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 46% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 8% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Lyon County, Iowa
Lyon County ranks among Iowa's safest
With a composite risk score of 19.18, Lyon County sits roughly half the state average of 39.68, earning a very low risk rating. This significant cushion places Lyon among the least hazard-prone counties in Iowa.
Iowa's lowest-risk county overall
Lyon County posts the state's lowest composite risk score, with only Louisa County (17.46) coming close. This exceptional safety profile reflects minimal exposure to tornadoes, flooding, and other major natural disasters that plague other parts of Iowa.
Safest in northwest Iowa by a wide margin
Lyon's 19.18 score significantly outpaces Marshall County (62.47) and most other neighboring counties, making it a notably safer location within the region. This geographic pocket of lower risk stands out in the tornado-prone landscape of northern Iowa.
Tornado risk your primary concern
Tornado risk of 45.93 is your highest hazard exposure, though still below state average. Flood risk of 19.62 and wildfire risk of 28.37 round out your secondary threats, all of which remain relatively modest.
Basic homeowners policy typically adequate
Your exceptional low-risk profile means standard homeowners insurance provides solid protection without costly add-ons for most properties. Verify wind and hail coverage is included to address tornado exposure, and maintain adequate replacement cost limits.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Lyon County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Lyon County
Risk Verdict
At the 19th percentile nationally, Lyon County experiences relatively limited natural hazard pressure compared to most of the country. Lyon County's 19th percentile ranking is favorable, though every county carries at least one natural hazard worth knowing — reviewing the specific risks listed above helps households focus their preparedness where it matters most.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Lyon County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 46th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 28th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (20th percentile), earthquake (8th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Lyon County ranks at the 46th percentile nationally for tornado exposure. Unlike many slow-onset hazards, tornadoes in Lyon County can reach full intensity in minutes; a pre-practiced household shelter plan matters far more than stockpiled supplies. The secondary wildfire hazard at the 28th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Lyon County's preparedness calendar, since wildfire and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. Lyon 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 20.5 points below the Iowa state average puts Lyon County in a better-than-typical position relative to neighboring counties.
Is your household prepared for Lyon County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Lyon County, IA?
What types of natural hazards affect Lyon County?
How does Lyon County risk compare to the Iowa average?
Is Lyon County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Lyon 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.