riskbycounty
FEMA NRI 1.19.0Updated Nov 2023 · Coverage 2014–2023Methodology

Page County Disaster Risk

Page County, Iowa

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

40th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#40

of 99 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

28th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Very Low

Higher than 28% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Very Low

Higher than 35% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 70% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Very Low

Higher than 21% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Very Low

Higher than 0% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Page County, Iowa

Page County's risk sits just above national baseline

With a composite risk score of 40.20 and a Very Low rating, Page County ranks slightly above the typical U.S. county's exposure to natural disasters. This score reflects moderate tornado risk balanced against low flood and earthquake hazards, putting residents in a relatively safer position nationally.

Middle of the pack for Iowa disaster risk

Page County's 40.20 score places it slightly above Iowa's state average of 39.68, making it one of the more typical counties in the state by risk profile. The county's tornado exposure (69.62) drives most of its overall risk, while flood and wildfire hazards remain manageable.

Page County faces similar risks to regional peers

Neighboring Ringgold County (14.15) carries substantially lower risk, while Plymouth County to the north (49.20) faces notably higher exposure. Page County's risk profile is most comparable to Poweshiek County (31.27), though Page's tornado risk is notably elevated.

Tornadoes pose your primary weather threat

Tornado risk in Page County reaches 69.62, making severe spring and summer storms your most significant natural hazard concern. Wildfire risk (34.61) and flood risk (27.54) remain secondary but warrant preparedness attention, particularly during high-risk seasons.

Secure your home against tornado damage

Page County residents should prioritize homeowners insurance that covers wind and tornado damage, along with a well-maintained safe room or shelter plan. Consider flood insurance as a supplemental policy, especially if your property sits in or near a flood-prone area.

Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Page County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    TornadoPrepare
    70th percentile
  2. #2
    WildfirePrepare
    35th percentile
  3. #3
    FloodPrepare
    28th percentile

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)

Risk Advisory: Page County

Risk Verdict

Page County's natural disaster risk is among the lowest in the country, with a composite score at the 40th percentile nationally. A 40th percentile score positions Page 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 Page County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 70th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 35th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (28th percentile), earthquake (21th percentile), hurricane (0th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Tornado risk is Page County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 70th percentile nationally. For Page County households, the most protective action available is identifying a reinforced interior room on the lowest floor — a bathroom, closet, or central hallway away from windows. Wildfire is the second hazard driver for Page County at the 35th percentile nationally, meaning households should maintain awareness of both severe-weather and wildfire-specific warning systems. A battery-powered NOAA All Hazards weather radio with an auto-alert tone is the highest-leverage single item for tornado preparedness in Page County, since it delivers warnings even when power is out and phone networks are congested.

Regional Context

At just 0.5 composite points from the Iowa average, Page County's natural disaster risk is closely in line with its in-state peers.

Is your household prepared for Page County's hazards?

Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.

FEMA Ready Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the natural disaster risk in Page County, IA?
Page County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Very Low, placing it in the 40th percentile nationally out of 3,144 counties. This composite score reflects the county's overall exposure to natural hazards including floods, wildfires, tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes, weighted by expected annual loss and social vulnerability.
What types of natural hazards affect Page County?
Page County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: tornado (70th percentile), wildfire (35th percentile), flooding (28th percentile), earthquake (21th percentile), hurricane (0th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is tornado at the 70th percentile nationally. These scores are derived from FEMA's National Risk Index, which analyzes expected annual loss, social vulnerability, and community resilience for each hazard type.
How does Page County risk compare to the Iowa average?
Page County's composite risk percentile is 40th, compared to the Iowa state average of 40th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Very Low. This means Page County faces higher natural disaster risk than the typical county in Iowa.
Is Page County at risk for tornado?
Yes, Page County's tornado risk is at the 70th percentile nationally. This is above the national median. For flooding specifically, Page County is at the 28th percentile.
How is natural disaster risk measured?
FEMA's National Risk Index (NRI) calculates risk scores for 18 natural hazard types across all U.S. counties and census tracts. The composite score combines Expected Annual Loss (estimated dollar losses from each hazard), Social Vulnerability (demographic factors affecting disaster impact), and Community Resilience (ability to recover). Percentile scores rank each county against all 3,144 U.S. counties, and risk ratings range from Very Low to Very High.
Why is Page County higher risk than average?
Page County's composite risk score of 40th percentile is above the Iowa state average of 40th percentile. This elevated risk is driven by tornado exposure (70th percentile). Geographic location, terrain, climate patterns, and proximity to flood zones or fault lines all influence a county's risk profile.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

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.