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

Ringgold County Disaster Risk

Ringgold County, Iowa

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

14th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#96

of 99 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

5th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Very Low

Higher than 5% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Very Low

Higher than 32% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Very Low

Higher than 32% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Very Low

Higher than 9% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Very Low

Higher than 8% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Ringgold County, Iowa

Ringgold County ranks among nation's safest counties

At 14.15, Ringgold County's composite risk score represents one of America's lowest disaster exposures, earning a Very Low rating. This exceptionally safe profile reflects minimal hazard across virtually all natural disaster categories.

Iowa's safest county by composite risk measure

Ringgold County's 14.15 score is the lowest in Iowa, well below the state average of 39.68. Only Palo Alto County (15.46) comes close to matching Ringgold's remarkably low natural disaster risk profile.

Ringgold sits in Iowa's safest region overall

Neighboring Palo Alto County (15.46) and Pocahontas County (33.05) both rank among Iowa's safer counties, while Page County (40.20) adds moderate risk. Ringgold anchors what is clearly the state's most hazard-resistant corner.

Wildfire and tornado risks are only notable threats

Wildfire risk (32.47) and tornado risk (31.52) represent your county's only meaningful hazards, though both remain below statewide averages. Flood (4.96) and earthquake (8.59) risks are minimal, making Ringgold an exceptionally benign natural disaster environment.

Basic homeowners insurance provides ample protection

Ringgold County residents can rely on standard homeowners insurance with tornado coverage as sufficient disaster protection. Focus on maintaining a basic family emergency plan and weather alert system, as serious natural disaster risk is minimal in your county.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Ringgold County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    WildfirePrepare
    32th percentile
  2. #2
    TornadoPrepare
    32th percentile
  3. #3
    EarthquakePrepare
    9th percentile

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

Local Resources

Risk Advisory: Ringgold County

Risk Verdict

Ringgold County's natural disaster risk is among the lowest in the country, with a composite score at the 14th percentile nationally. Ringgold County's 14th percentile ranking is favorable, though every county carries at least one natural hazard worth knowing — reviewing the specific risks listed above helps households focus their preparedness where it matters most.

Hazard Breakdown

Wildfire risk is Ringgold County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 32th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 32th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (9th percentile), hurricane (8th percentile), flood (5th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Wildfire is Ringgold County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 32th percentile nationally. Ringgold County residents should assess whether their property lies within or adjacent to a Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) zone, where ember transport and rapid spread pose the highest risk. The county's tornado exposure at the 32th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. For Ringgold County households, a practiced evacuation plan — with a primary and backup route designated before a fire occurs — provides more protection than any structural improvement when a wildfire approaches fast-moving terrain.

Regional Context

The Iowa county average exceeds Ringgold County's score by 25.5 composite points — placing this county in the lower-risk tier relative to its in-state peers.

Is your household prepared for Ringgold 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 Ringgold County, IA?
Ringgold County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Very Low, placing it in the 14th 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 Ringgold County?
Ringgold County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: wildfire (32th percentile), tornado (32th percentile), earthquake (9th percentile), hurricane (8th percentile), flooding (5th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is wildfire at the 32th 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 Ringgold County risk compare to the Iowa average?
Ringgold County's composite risk percentile is 14th, compared to the Iowa state average of 40th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Very Low. This means Ringgold County faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in Iowa.
Is Ringgold County at risk for wildfire?
Yes, Ringgold County's wildfire risk is at the 32th percentile nationally. This is below the national median, indicating relatively lower exposure. For flooding specifically, Ringgold County is at the 5th 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.
Is Ringgold County a safe place to live?
Ringgold County's composite risk score of 14th percentile is below the Iowa state average of 40th percentile, indicating relatively lower exposure to natural hazards. However, no county is completely risk-free. The primary hazard type is wildfire at the 32th percentile. Residents should still maintain emergency preparedness plans and appropriate insurance coverage.

Counties with Similar Risk

Osceola County

Iowa

+0.7

Very Low

15th percentile

Fremont County

Iowa

+0.8

Very Low

15th percentile

Grundy County

Iowa

-1.0

Very Low

13th percentile

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.

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