Plymouth County Disaster Risk
Plymouth County, Iowa
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
49th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#29
of 99 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
45th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 45% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 71% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 77% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 14% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Plymouth County, Iowa
Plymouth County faces above-average disaster risk
At 49.20, Plymouth County's composite risk score significantly exceeds the national average and earns a Relatively Low rating, reflecting elevated exposure to multiple hazard types. Tornadoes, floods, and wildfires all contribute notably to this profile.
Plymouth ranks among Iowa's riskier counties
Plymouth County's 49.20 score surpasses Iowa's average of 39.68, placing it in the upper tier of the state's risk rankings. The combination of high tornado (77.35), flood (45.23), and wildfire (70.52) risks makes it one of Iowa's more hazard-prone areas.
Plymouth faces distinctly higher risks than neighbors
Neighboring Palo Alto County (15.46) and Pocahontas County (33.05) both carry significantly lower composite risk. Plymouth County's elevated exposure across multiple hazard types sets it apart as the riskier territory in northwest Iowa.
Tornadoes and wildfires drive your risk profile
Tornado risk (77.35) and wildfire risk (70.52) are your two dominant natural hazards, with tornado exposure among the highest in the state. Flood risk (45.23) adds a secondary layer of concern, particularly during spring snow melt and heavy precipitation events.
Invest in comprehensive hazard insurance
Plymouth County residents should maintain robust homeowners insurance covering tornado, hail, and wind damage, with separate flood insurance if in or near a flood zone. Develop a tornado safety plan with a designated shelter and keep emergency supplies stocked year-round.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Plymouth County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Plymouth County
Risk Verdict
Plymouth County's FEMA risk score places it at the 49th percentile nationally, indicating lower-than-typical exposure for a U.S. county. At the 49th percentile nationally, Plymouth 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 Plymouth County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 77th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 71th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (45th percentile), earthquake (14th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Tornado exposure at the 77th percentile nationally makes Plymouth County a county where a battery-powered weather radio — not just smartphone apps — is a worthwhile household investment, given that mobile networks often fail during severe storms. The secondary wildfire hazard at the 71th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Plymouth County's preparedness calendar, since wildfire and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. In Plymouth County, tornado watches indicate favorable atmospheric conditions while warnings mean rotation has been detected — households benefit from understanding this distinction so they shelter immediately on a warning, not after seeking visual confirmation.
Regional Context
The Iowa county average is 9.5 composite points below Plymouth County's score, a gap that reflects the county's elevated position in the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for Plymouth County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Plymouth County, IA?
What types of natural hazards affect Plymouth County?
How does Plymouth County risk compare to the Iowa average?
Is Plymouth County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Plymouth 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.