Sioux County Disaster Risk
Sioux County, Iowa
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
52th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#23
of 99 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
49th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 49% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 40% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 79% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 19% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Sioux County, Iowa
Sioux County's risk approaches national average
Sioux County's composite risk score of 52.39 with a Relatively Low rating sits modestly above the national average. While not alarming, it signals moderate exposure to natural hazards across multiple categories.
Sioux ranks in Iowa's middle tier
At 52.39, Sioux County exceeds Iowa's state average of 39.68, placing it in the middle-to-upper range of the state's risk profile. Several Iowa counties pose lower risks, while others face considerably steeper hazards.
Sioux ranks higher than adjacent counties
Sioux County's 52.39 score exceeds neighboring Sac County (27.29) and approaches Story County (68.83). It represents a moderate risk level for northwestern Iowa.
Tornadoes and floods demand attention
Tornado risk (79.36) and flood risk (49.46) drive Sioux County's hazard profile, with wildfire (39.66) presenting a secondary concern. The combination of strong wind and water threats requires active preparedness.
Ensure flood and wind coverage
Sioux County residents should verify their homeowner's policies include tornado and wind protection, and consider flood insurance given the moderate flood risk. Review your policy limits and update coverage after major home improvements.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Sioux County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Sioux County
Risk Verdict
With a national percentile rank of 52th, Sioux County faces below-average hazard exposure relative to U.S. counties as a whole. Above-average risk does not mean imminent danger; it signals that informed, hazard-specific preparedness has high value here.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Sioux County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 79th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 49th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (40th percentile), earthquake (19th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 79th percentile nationally for tornado risk, Sioux County households benefit most from a reliable alert system — a NOAA weather radio that activates during overnight hours when residents may not be checking smartphone alerts. The secondary flood hazard at the 49th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Sioux County's preparedness calendar, since flood and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. For Sioux County households, a pre-decided family shelter plan — who goes where, how children are retrieved from school during a warning, and a neighborhood meet-up point if phones fail — provides real protection that no supply kit alone can replicate.
Regional Context
At 12.7 points above the Iowa state average, Sioux County carries meaningfully higher natural disaster exposure than a typical Iowa county.
Is your household prepared for Sioux County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Sioux County, IA?
What types of natural hazards affect Sioux County?
How does Sioux County risk compare to the Iowa average?
Is Sioux County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Sioux 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.