Muscatine County Disaster Risk
Muscatine County, Iowa
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
58th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#20
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 61% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 55% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 54% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 13% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Muscatine County, Iowa
Muscatine County above national average
With a composite risk score of 57.76, Muscatine County ranks as Relatively Low but sits well above the U.S. average. Your county faces notably higher combined exposure to multiple disaster types.
Highest risk in Iowa's group
Muscatine County's 57.76 score exceeds Iowa's state average of 39.68 by nearly 50 percent. You rank among Iowa's higher-risk counties for natural disaster exposure.
Significantly riskier than surrounding counties
Muscatine County (57.76) faces substantially higher risk than all nearby counties, including Mitchell County (37.69) and Monona County (25.10). Your location along Iowa's river corridor drives elevated hazard exposure.
Flooding and earthquakes demand attention
Muscatine County's flood risk (62.56) and earthquake risk (54.13) are exceptionally high, ranking far above state averages. Wildfires (60.91) and tornados (54.99) also present significant local concerns.
Flood insurance and seismic prep essential
Given flood risk of 62.56 and earthquake risk of 54.13, flood insurance is critical—especially in mapped flood zones near the Mississippi River. Secure heavy furniture, install earthquake straps for appliances, and ensure your homeowners policy includes comprehensive coverage for wind, flood, and earthquake damage.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Muscatine County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Muscatine County
Risk Verdict
With a national percentile rank of 58th, Muscatine County faces below-average hazard exposure relative to U.S. counties as a whole. Above-average risk does not mean imminent danger; it signals that informed, hazard-specific preparedness has high value here.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Muscatine County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 63th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 61th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (55th percentile), earthquake (54th percentile), hurricane (13th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With flood risk ranking at the 63th percentile nationally, Muscatine County residents face one of the most financially damaging hazards without specialized coverage. Flood insurance through the NFIP or a private carrier is worth evaluating regardless of current mortgage requirements. Secondary wildfire exposure at the 61th percentile adds a second preparedness layer; households should review coverage options and alert sign-up for both hazard types. Registering for Muscatine County's county emergency alert system — typically through the county emergency management office's website — ensures households receive early warning when flood events develop faster than forecast.
Regional Context
At 18.1 points above the Iowa state average, Muscatine County carries meaningfully higher natural disaster exposure than a typical Iowa county.
Is your household prepared for Muscatine County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Muscatine County, IA?
What types of natural hazards affect Muscatine County?
How does Muscatine County risk compare to the Iowa average?
Is Muscatine County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Muscatine 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.