Pottawattamie County Disaster Risk
Pottawattamie County, Iowa
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
80th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#6
of 99 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
75th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 75% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 67% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively High
Higher than 95% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 27% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 0% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Pottawattamie County, Iowa
Pottawattamie County faces elevated national risk
At 80.44, Pottawattamie County's composite risk score significantly exceeds the U.S. average, earning a Relatively Low rating but reflecting substantial disaster exposure. Tornado risk (95.23) and flood risk (74.59) drive this concerning profile.
Second-riskiest county in Iowa overall
Pottawattamie County's 80.44 score ranks it second only to Polk County (91.98) in statewide risk, more than double Iowa's average of 39.68. The county faces a particularly severe tornado threat compared to other regions.
Pottawattamie significantly riskier than surrounding areas
Neighboring counties like Page County (40.20) and Ringgold County (14.15) carry dramatically lower risk profiles than Pottawattamie. Pottawattamie's position in western Iowa makes it a relative hazard hotspot compared to its regional peers.
Tornadoes and floods dominate your hazard profile
Tornado risk (95.23) and flood risk (74.59) are exceptionally high in Pottawattamie County, representing your two most serious natural disasters. Wildfire risk (67.21) adds a tertiary concern, particularly during drought conditions in summer and early fall.
Multi-layered insurance is critical protection
Pottawattamie County residents must carry comprehensive homeowners insurance with tornado, wind, and hail coverage, plus separate flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program. Invest in a sturdy shelter or safe room, and maintain an emergency supply kit with multiple days of essentials.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Pottawattamie County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Pottawattamie County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard pressure in Pottawattamie County is below the national midpoint, with a composite score at the 80th percentile. Residents should prioritize a formal household emergency plan, including evacuation routes, insurance review, and a well-stocked emergency kit.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Pottawattamie County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 95th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 75th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (67th percentile), earthquake (27th percentile), hurricane (0th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With tornado ranked at the 95th percentile nationally, Pottawattamie County sits in a high-exposure zone where the difference between outcomes often comes down to proximity to a reinforced interior shelter and seconds of warning time. The secondary flood hazard at the 75th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Pottawattamie County's preparedness calendar, since flood and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. For Pottawattamie County households, safe rooms certified to FEMA 320/361 standards offer the highest protection during a direct tornado hit; households without a safe room should locate the innermost lowest-floor room in their building and practice the route to it before storm season.
Regional Context
Pottawattamie County is 40.8 composite risk points above the Iowa average, indicating that residents face greater natural hazard exposure than most of their in-state neighbors.
Is your household prepared for Pottawattamie County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Pottawattamie County, IA?
What types of natural hazards affect Pottawattamie County?
How does Pottawattamie County risk compare to the Iowa average?
Is Pottawattamie County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Pottawattamie 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.