Tama County Disaster Risk
Tama County, Iowa
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
45th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#31
of 99 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
42th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 42% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 65% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 57% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 22% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 17% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Tama County, Iowa
Tama County risk moderately above average
Tama County's composite risk score of 45.32 with a Relatively Low rating exceeds the national average by roughly 14 percent. This reflects moderate, manageable exposure to natural hazards overall.
Tama sits near Iowa's middle risk level
At 45.32, Tama County modestly exceeds Iowa's state average of 39.68, placing it slightly above the middle of the state's risk spectrum. Multiple Iowa counties rank both lower and considerably higher.
Tama occupies the moderate-risk zone
Tama County's 45.32 score falls between safer neighbors like Shelby County (22.77) and higher-risk Story County (68.83). It represents a middle ground in its region's risk profile.
Wildfire and tornado risks are elevated
Wildfire risk (65.49) stands unusually high for central Iowa, while tornado risk (57.41) remains a consistent threat. Flood risk (42.40) and earthquake risk (21.72) contribute to a diversified hazard profile.
Prepare for wind and fire threats
Tama County residents should verify their homeowner's policies cover tornadoes, wind, and hail, and consider defensible space around homes given wildfire exposure. Annual policy reviews ensure coverage keeps pace with home value.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Tama County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Tama County
Risk Verdict
At the 45th percentile nationally, Tama County experiences a manageable level of natural hazard risk that falls below the U.S. median. The 45th percentile national ranking is one lens; Tama County residents also benefit from reviewing which specific hazard types drive the county's composite score and preparing accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Tama County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 65th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 57th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (42th percentile), earthquake (22th percentile), hurricane (17th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Wildfire ranks as Tama County's primary hazard at the 65th percentile nationally. For Tama County households in high-WUI areas, go-bag readiness — the ability to leave within 15 minutes — is more important than shelter-in-place planning for most residential properties. The county's tornado exposure at the 57th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. Tama County county's local emergency management office publishes community-specific wildfire risk assessments and evacuation zone maps; households should review their zone assignment and sign up for zone-specific alerts.
Regional Context
Tama County falls 5.6 points above Iowa's typical county risk level, which means the hazard environment here is notably more demanding than the state baseline.
Is your household prepared for Tama County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Tama County, IA?
What types of natural hazards affect Tama County?
How does Tama County risk compare to the Iowa average?
Is Tama County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Tama 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.