Madison County Disaster Risk
Madison County, Iowa
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
36th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#51
of 99 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
37th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 37% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 60% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 55% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 18% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 9% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Madison County, Iowa
Madison County sits slightly below state average
Madison County's composite risk score of 35.53 runs about 10 percent below Iowa's state average of 39.68, landing it in the very low risk category. This modest advantage reflects reasonable but not exceptional protection from major natural hazards.
Mid-range risk ranking for Iowa
Madison County ranks in the middle tier of Iowa's 99 counties, neither among the state's safest nor its most vulnerable. This middle-ground position reflects fairly typical exposure to the state's primary weather hazards.
Comparable risk to neighboring counties
Madison's 35.53 score falls between Marion County (34.35) and Lucas County (29.68), placing it in the safer cluster of south-central Iowa. Marshall County (62.47) to the northeast experiences notably higher risk, marking a clear hazard gradient across the region.
Wildfire risk your most notable concern
Wildfire risk at 59.92 is Madison's highest hazard score, reflecting the county's prairie landscape and agricultural heritage. Tornado risk of 54.93 and flood risk of 36.58 also warrant preparedness planning during their respective seasonal peaks.
Standard coverage with wildfire provisions
Ensure your homeowners policy includes wind and hail protection for tornado exposure and maintain adequate replacement cost limits. If your property borders wildland areas, discuss additional coverage options with your agent to address grassfire and structural ignition risks.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Madison County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Madison County
Risk Verdict
Compared to the nation's 3,144 counties, Madison County ranks at the 36th percentile for natural disaster risk — toward the safer end of the spectrum. Madison County residents can take confidence from a 36th percentile ranking, but even lower-risk counties benefit from a practiced household communication plan and awareness of the specific hazards listed above.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Madison County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 60th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 55th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (37th percentile), earthquake (18th percentile), hurricane (9th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Madison County sits at the 60th percentile for wildfire exposure. Signing up for Madison 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. A secondary tornado exposure at the 55th percentile nationally means Madison County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. In Madison 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
Madison County sits within 4.1 composite points of the Iowa state average, suggesting the county's hazard exposure is representative of the broader regional pattern.
Is your household prepared for Madison County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Madison County, IA?
What types of natural hazards affect Madison County?
How does Madison County risk compare to the Iowa average?
Is Madison County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Madison 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.