Monona County Disaster Risk
Monona County, Iowa
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
25th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#75
of 99 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
25th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 25% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 63% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 58% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 14% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 0% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Monona County, Iowa
Monona County well below national risk
Monona County's composite risk score of 25.10 ranks as Very Low, well below the national average. Your county benefits from geography that limits exposure to multiple major disaster types.
Safer than average for Iowa
At 25.10, Monona County sits well below Iowa's state average of 39.68. You rank among Iowa's lower-risk counties for overall natural disaster exposure.
Comparable to nearby counties
Monona County's 25.10 score runs higher than Mills County (18.48) but lower than Mitchell County (37.69). Your risk profile is typical for northwestern Iowa's geographic and weather patterns.
Tornados and wildfires are primary concerns
Tornados at 57.95 and wildfires at 63.49 represent Monona County's greatest risks, with both well above state averages. Flood risk (25.03) and earthquake risk (14.03) remain secondary concerns.
Prepare for severe weather and wildfire smoke
Monona County's high wildfire risk (63.49) and tornado risk (57.95) demand a reliable safe room or storm shelter plus defensible landscaping around your home. Review your homeowners policy for wind and hail coverage, and keep emergency supplies accessible.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Monona County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Monona County
Risk Verdict
At the 25th percentile nationally, Monona County experiences relatively limited natural hazard pressure compared to most of the country. Even at the 25th percentile, Monona County's composite score reflects real hazard exposure categories — knowing which ones apply locally enables targeted, efficient household preparedness.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Monona County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 63th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 58th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (25th percentile), earthquake (14th percentile), hurricane (0th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Monona County's dominant hazard is wildfire, ranked at the 63th percentile nationally. Maintaining at least 30 feet of lean, clean vegetation around structures in Monona County and keeping gutters clear of debris significantly reduces ignition risk from wind-driven embers. A secondary tornado exposure at the 58th percentile nationally means Monona County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. Monona County's households benefit from reviewing homeowners insurance before fire season, specifically whether the policy covers replacement cost rather than actual cash value, and whether it includes additional living expenses if displacement is required.
Regional Context
A composite score 14.6 points below the Iowa state average puts Monona County in a better-than-typical position relative to neighboring counties.
Is your household prepared for Monona County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Monona County, IA?
What types of natural hazards affect Monona County?
How does Monona County risk compare to the Iowa average?
Is Monona County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Monona 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.