Wapello County Disaster Risk
Wapello County, Iowa
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
65th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#10
of 99 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
69th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 69% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 62% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 82% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 37% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 10% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Wapello County, Iowa
Wapello faces elevated natural disaster risk
Wapello County scores 65.33 on the composite risk scale—65% above the national average—placing it in the Relatively Low category but well above typical American exposure. The county experiences notably more frequent severe weather than most U.S. regions.
Among Iowa's higher-risk counties
Wapello ranks significantly above Iowa's state average of 39.68, making it one of the state's more hazard-prone counties. The 65.33 score reflects heightened tornado and flooding vulnerability across the county.
Riskier than most surrounding counties
Wapello's composite score of 65.33 substantially exceeds nearby Van Buren (33.62) and Warren (36.10). Only Washington County (44.18) comes close, yet Wapello still carries 47% greater overall risk.
Tornadoes dominate, floods follow close
Tornado risk reaches 81.77 in Wapello—one of the state's highest—making it the primary hazard threat. Flood risk at 69.31 rounds out the county's top two concerns, both significantly above state averages.
Bundle tornado and flood coverage now
Wapello residents should prioritize comprehensive storm and flood insurance given the county's elevated tornado (81.77) and flood (69.31) scores. Review your policy annually to ensure adequate coverage for wind, hail, and water damage.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Wapello County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Wapello County
Risk Verdict
Wapello County sits below the national average for natural disaster exposure, ranking at the 65th percentile across all U.S. counties. Understanding the specific hazards behind Wapello County's ranking helps residents prioritize where to direct emergency planning efforts.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Wapello County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 82th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 69th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (62th percentile), earthquake (37th percentile), hurricane (10th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Ranked at the 82th percentile nationally for tornado risk, Wapello County is in a zone where storm shelters have the highest per-dollar protective value of any mitigation investment. Wapello County's county shelter map is typically available through the local emergency management office. The secondary flood hazard at the 69th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Wapello County's preparedness calendar, since flood and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. Wapello County residents can check the county's emergency management website for community shelter locations nearest their address — a step worth completing now, not during a warning.
Regional Context
A composite score 25.7 points above the Iowa state average puts Wapello County in a higher-risk category than most counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Wapello County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Wapello County, IA?
What types of natural hazards affect Wapello County?
How does Wapello County risk compare to the Iowa average?
Is Wapello County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Wapello 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.