Sac County Disaster Risk
Sac County, Iowa
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
27th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#71
of 99 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
17th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 17% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 10% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 60% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 10% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 0% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Sac County, Iowa
Sac County's risk stays well below average
With a composite risk score of 27.29, Sac County ranks as Very Low—significantly safer than the national average. This means residents face fewer natural disaster threats overall compared to most U.S. counties.
Sac ranks among Iowa's safest counties
Sac County's score of 27.29 places it well below Iowa's state average of 39.68, making it one of the state's lower-risk areas. Only a handful of Iowa counties enjoy comparable safety levels.
Safest county in its region
Sac County's risk profile is notably better than neighboring Sioux County (52.39) and Tama County (45.32). Its 27.29 score reflects the lowest composite risk among its immediate peers.
Tornadoes pose the main threat
Tornado risk reaches 60.02 in Sac County—the hazard that demands the most attention here. Flood risk (17.18) and wildfire risk (9.76) remain minimal by comparison.
Prepare for severe weather now
Given Sac County's tornado exposure, ensure your homeowner's policy covers wind and hail damage, and maintain a weather alert system. A safe room or reinforced shelter in your home can be lifesaving when tornadoes strike.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Sac County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Sac County
Risk Verdict
At the 27th percentile nationally, Sac County experiences relatively limited natural hazard pressure compared to most of the country. Sac County residents can take confidence from a 27th percentile ranking, but even lower-risk counties benefit from a practiced household communication plan and awareness of the specific hazards listed above.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Sac County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 60th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 17th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (10th percentile), wildfire (10th percentile), hurricane (0th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Sac County ranks at the 60th percentile nationally for tornado exposure. Unlike many slow-onset hazards, tornadoes in Sac County can reach full intensity in minutes; a pre-practiced household shelter plan matters far more than stockpiled supplies. The secondary flood hazard at the 17th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Sac County's preparedness calendar, since flood and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. Sac County county emergency management typically publishes annual severe-weather preparedness guides tailored to local tornado patterns; households benefit from reviewing these before storm season begins each spring.
Regional Context
A composite score 12.4 points below the Iowa state average puts Sac County in a better-than-typical position relative to neighboring counties.
Is your household prepared for Sac County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Sac County, IA?
What types of natural hazards affect Sac County?
How does Sac County risk compare to the Iowa average?
Is Sac County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Sac County a safe place to live?
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.