Van Buren County Disaster Risk
Van Buren County, Iowa
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
34th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#55
of 99 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
41th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 41% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 52% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 55% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 31% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 13% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Van Buren County, Iowa
Van Buren's risk sits well below U.S. average
With a composite risk score of 33.62 and a Very Low rating, Van Buren County faces significantly less natural disaster risk than the typical American county. The county's score sits 40% below the national average, meaning residents experience fewer severe weather events overall.
One of Iowa's safest counties
Van Buren ranks among Iowa's lowest-risk counties with a score of 33.62, well below the state average of 39.68. Only a handful of Iowa counties offer comparable natural disaster safety.
Safer than most neighbors
Van Buren's Very Low risk rating outperforms several neighboring counties, including Washington (44.18) and Wapello (65.33). Only Wayne County (22.01) presents a notably safer profile in the immediate region.
Tornadoes and wildfires are top concerns
Tornado risk scores 54.68 in Van Buren, making it the county's leading hazard threat, followed by wildfire risk at 52.16. Flood risk remains moderate at 40.84, typical for southeastern Iowa's river valleys.
Tornado and wind coverage matters most
While Van Buren's overall risk is low, homeowners should prioritize wind and hail insurance to protect against tornado damage. Standard homeowners policies often have tornado exclusions, so review your coverage and consider additional protection for severe weather.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Van Buren County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Van Buren County
Risk Verdict
Compared to the nation's 3,144 counties, Van Buren County ranks at the 34th percentile for natural disaster risk — toward the safer end of the spectrum. At the 34th percentile, Van Buren County's risk profile is among the more manageable in the country — the hazard-specific breakdown above shows where any remaining preparedness focus is best directed.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Van Buren County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 55th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 52th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (41th percentile), earthquake (31th percentile), hurricane (13th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Tornado exposure at the 55th percentile nationally makes Van Buren County a county where a battery-powered weather radio — not just smartphone apps — is a worthwhile household investment, given that mobile networks often fail during severe storms. Alongside tornado exposure, wildfire at the 52th percentile nationally means Van Buren County households face multi-hazard severe-weather seasons that benefit from a single integrated emergency plan covering both threats. In Van Buren County, tornado watches indicate favorable atmospheric conditions while warnings mean rotation has been detected — households benefit from understanding this distinction so they shelter immediately on a warning, not after seeking visual confirmation.
Regional Context
At 6.1 points below the Iowa state average, Van Buren County is among the lower-risk counties in the state for natural disaster exposure.
Is your household prepared for Van Buren County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Van Buren County, IA?
What types of natural hazards affect Van Buren County?
How does Van Buren County risk compare to the Iowa average?
Is Van Buren County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Van Buren 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.