Marion County Disaster Risk
Marion County, Iowa
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
34th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#52
of 99 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
41th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 41% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 51% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 68% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 31% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 8% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Marion County, Iowa
Marion County sits below state risk average
Marion County's composite risk score of 34.35 runs about 13 percent below Iowa's state average of 39.68, placing it in the very low risk category. This cushion suggests residents enjoy better-than-average protection from the state's natural hazards.
Safer than most Iowa counties
Marion ranks in the lower-risk quadrant of Iowa's 99 counties, with exposure levels meaningfully below the state median. This favorable standing reflects geographic and climatic factors that reduce the county's overall vulnerability to major natural disasters.
Higher risk than nearby Lucas and Mahaska
Marion's 34.35 score exceeds both Lucas County (29.68) and Mahaska County (29.74) but remains well below Marshall County (62.47) to the north. This positioning places Marion at the higher end of the south-central Iowa safety cluster.
Tornadoes emerge as primary threat
Tornado risk of 67.75 significantly outpaces your other exposures, making spring storm season your highest-risk period. Flood risk at 41.22 and wildfire risk of 50.57 round out your secondary concerns, both manageable but worth monitoring.
Prioritize wind coverage for tornadoes
Your elevated tornado risk relative to other hazards means wind and hail coverage is essential in your homeowners policy. Standard policies typically include these protections, but verify your coverage limits are adequate for replacement costs in your area.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Marion County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Marion County
Risk Verdict
Marion County sits in the lower tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure, ranked at the 34th percentile nationally. A 34th percentile score positions Marion County among the nation's lower-risk counties, a genuinely favorable outcome — one that simple, low-cost preparedness habits can reinforce further.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Marion County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 68th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 51th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (41th percentile), earthquake (31th percentile), hurricane (8th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 68th percentile nationally for tornado risk, Marion County households benefit most from a reliable alert system — a NOAA weather radio that activates during overnight hours when residents may not be checking smartphone alerts. The secondary wildfire hazard at the 51th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Marion County's preparedness calendar, since wildfire and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. For Marion County households, a pre-decided family shelter plan — who goes where, how children are retrieved from school during a warning, and a neighborhood meet-up point if phones fail — provides real protection that no supply kit alone can replicate.
Regional Context
Marion County falls 5.3 points below Iowa's typical county risk level, making it one of the safer natural-hazard environments in the state.
Is your household prepared for Marion County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Marion County, IA?
What types of natural hazards affect Marion County?
How does Marion County risk compare to the Iowa average?
Is Marion County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Marion 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.