Marshall County Disaster Risk
Marshall County, Iowa
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
62th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#14
of 99 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
63th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 63% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 62% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 83% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 28% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 15% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Marshall County, Iowa
Marshall County faces elevated risk profile
Marshall County's composite risk score of 62.47 exceeds Iowa's state average of 39.68 by 57 percent, placing it in the relatively low risk category but well above typical. This elevated positioning reflects significant exposure to multiple hazard types, particularly tornadoes and flooding.
Second-highest risk county in Iowa
Marshall County ranks as Iowa's second-most hazard-prone county, exceeded only by Linn County's exceptional risk profile. This elevated standing places Marshall among the state's most disaster-vulnerable areas and warrants heightened preparedness.
Dramatically riskier than surrounding counties
Marshall's 62.47 score towers above neighboring Linn County (86.70) and dramatically outpaces Marion County (34.35) and other surrounding counties. This concentration of risk is driven by the county's position in Iowa's tornado belt and its exposure to the Cedar and Iowa river systems.
Tornadoes and floods your major concerns
Tornado risk at 82.67 is your most serious threat—nearly 50 percent above state average—making spring severe weather season particularly hazardous. Flood risk of 63.10 comes close behind, with river and creek systems posing regular inundation threats during high-water periods.
Comprehensive coverage is essential here
Your elevated risk profile demands robust homeowners insurance with wind and hail coverage for tornado protection. Strongly consider separate flood insurance if you're within 500 feet of the Cedar River, Iowa River, or other flood-prone waterways; standard policies exclude flood damage entirely.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Marshall County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Marshall County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard pressure in Marshall County is below the national midpoint, with a composite score at the 62th percentile. Proactive emergency planning and awareness of the specific hazards driving Marshall County's score can meaningfully reduce household risk.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Marshall County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 83th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 63th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (62th percentile), earthquake (28th percentile), hurricane (15th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With tornado ranked at the 83th percentile nationally, Marshall County sits in a high-exposure zone where the difference between outcomes often comes down to proximity to a reinforced interior shelter and seconds of warning time. Flood is the second hazard driver for Marshall County at the 63th percentile nationally, meaning households should maintain awareness of both severe-weather and flood-specific warning systems. For Marshall County households, safe rooms certified to FEMA 320/361 standards offer the highest protection during a direct tornado hit; households without a safe room should locate the innermost lowest-floor room in their building and practice the route to it before storm season.
Regional Context
Marshall County is 22.8 composite risk points above the Iowa average, indicating that residents face greater natural hazard exposure than most of their in-state neighbors.
Is your household prepared for Marshall County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Marshall County, IA?
What types of natural hazards affect Marshall County?
How does Marshall County risk compare to the Iowa average?
Is Marshall County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Marshall 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.