Washington County Disaster Risk
Washington County, Iowa
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
44th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#33
of 99 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
48th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 48% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 55% 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 36% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 20% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Washington County, Iowa
Washington's risk slightly exceeds national norm
Washington County scores 44.18 on the composite risk scale, rating Relatively Low but sitting 11% above the national average. The county experiences more frequent severe weather than typical American communities.
Moderate risk for Iowa standards
Washington scores 44.18, slightly above Iowa's state average of 39.68, placing it in the upper-middle range of state hazard exposure. The county faces more combined risk than most Iowa communities.
Riskier than some, safer than Wapello
Washington (44.18) exceeds the safety of Warren (36.10) and Van Buren (33.62), but carries only two-thirds the risk of nearby Wapello (65.33). Winneshiek County (36.20) presents similar exposure.
Tornadoes lead, floods and hurricanes follow
Tornado risk at 56.97 tops Washington's hazard list, followed by flood risk at 48.38 and a notable hurricane score of 20.07—highest in the region. This trio reflects Washington's location along southeastern Iowa's weather vulnerability zone.
Storm, flood, and wind coverage essential
Washington residents should carry robust wind and hail insurance for tornado protection, plus flood coverage given the 48.38 flood risk score. Consider supplemental policies that address wind and water damage comprehensively.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Washington County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Washington County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard pressure in Washington County is below the national midpoint, with a composite score at the 44th percentile. Residents of Washington County can use the 44th percentile ranking as a baseline, while recognizing that individual properties may still lie in specific hazard zones that differ from the county average.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Washington County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 57th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 55th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (48th percentile), earthquake (36th percentile), hurricane (20th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With tornado ranked at the 57th percentile nationally, Washington County sits in a high-exposure zone where the difference between outcomes often comes down to proximity to a reinforced interior shelter and seconds of warning time. Alongside tornado exposure, wildfire at the 55th percentile nationally means Washington County households face multi-hazard severe-weather seasons that benefit from a single integrated emergency plan covering both threats. For Washington County households, safe rooms certified to FEMA 320/361 standards offer the highest protection during a direct tornado hit; households without a safe room should locate the innermost lowest-floor room in their building and practice the route to it before storm season.
Regional Context
Washington County's risk score is broadly comparable to the Iowa county average, with a 4.5-point gap that places the county near the center of the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for Washington County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Washington County, IA?
What types of natural hazards affect Washington County?
How does Washington County risk compare to the Iowa average?
Is Washington County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Washington 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.