Mills County Disaster Risk
Mills County, Iowa
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
18th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#87
of 99 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
27th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 27% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 52% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 56% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 9% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 0% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Mills County, Iowa
Mills County sits well below national risk
With a composite risk score of 18.48, Mills County ranks as Very Low—significantly safer than the nation's average disaster exposure. Your county faces fewer combined threats from flooding, tornadoes, wildfires, and earthquakes than most U.S. counties.
One of Iowa's safest counties
Mills County's risk profile sits well below Iowa's state average of 39.68, placing it among the state's lower-risk communities. This advantage reflects both geography and local resilience efforts.
Safer than surrounding counties
Compared to neighbors like Montgomery County (33.68) and Monona County (25.10), Mills County's 18.48 score makes it one of the region's safest. You enjoy better-than-average protection across most hazard types.
Tornados and wildfires pose greatest threats
Tornados present Mills County's highest risk at 55.95, followed by wildfires at 52.39—both above the state average. Flood risk (27.39) and earthquake risk (8.91) remain minimal concerns for residents here.
Prioritize tornado and wind coverage
Given tornado risk of 55.95, ensure your homeowners policy includes wind and hail protection, and consider a safe room or storm shelter. Standard flood insurance isn't required but remains wise for any property in flood zones near your local waterways.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Mills County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Mills County
Risk Verdict
Mills County carries a low natural disaster risk burden, scoring at the 18th percentile under the FEMA National Risk Index. At the 18th percentile nationally, Mills County's natural hazard profile is comparatively favorable — community resilience is reinforced when individual households maintain a reviewed emergency plan.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Mills County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 56th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 52th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (27th percentile), earthquake (9th percentile), hurricane (0th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Mills County's primary hazard, tornado, ranks at the 56th percentile nationally. In Mills County, mobile homes and manufactured housing face significantly higher tornado risk than site-built structures; residents in these homes should identify the nearest permanent community shelter in advance. Alongside tornado exposure, wildfire at the 52th percentile nationally means Mills County households face multi-hazard severe-weather seasons that benefit from a single integrated emergency plan covering both threats. The highest-risk window for tornado fatalities is overnight, when Mills County residents may be asleep. A NOAA weather radio with overnight alert capability is the single most impactful low-cost preparedness step available to Mills County households.
Regional Context
Compared to the Iowa county average, Mills County's composite score runs 21.2 points lower — a gap that reflects the county's relatively modest hazard profile within its state context.
Is your household prepared for Mills County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Mills County, IA?
What types of natural hazards affect Mills County?
How does Mills County risk compare to the Iowa average?
Is Mills County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Mills 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.