Winneshiek County Disaster Risk
Winneshiek County, Iowa
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
36th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#48
of 99 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
47th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 47% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 22% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 61% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 11% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 12% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Winneshiek County, Iowa
Winneshiek's risk remains below U.S. average
Winneshiek County scores 36.20 and rates Very Low, placing it 9% below the national average. The county experiences fewer multi-hazard exposures than typical American communities.
Among Iowa's lower-risk counties
Winneshiek scores 36.20, slightly below Iowa's state average of 39.68, ranking in the state's safer half. The county's risk profile reflects moderate exposure balanced across most hazard types.
Safer than Webster, comparable to Warren
Winneshiek (36.20) significantly outperforms Webster (59.99) and closely matches Warren (36.10) and Van Buren (33.62). The county ranks among northeast Iowa's safer communities.
Tornadoes and floods lead hazard list
Tornado risk reaches 60.81 in Winneshiek, making it the county's primary concern, while flood risk at 47.46 ranks second. Both scores remain close to state averages, reflecting the county's moderate overall exposure.
Comprehensive storm and flood coverage advised
Winneshiek homeowners should prioritize wind and hail insurance for tornado protection, then evaluate flood coverage given the moderate 47.46 flood risk score. Standard policies with these riders offer solid protection for your county's risk profile.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Winneshiek County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Winneshiek County
Risk Verdict
Compared to the nation's 3,144 counties, Winneshiek County ranks at the 36th percentile for natural disaster risk — toward the safer end of the spectrum. The 36th percentile national ranking is one lens; Winneshiek County residents also benefit from reviewing which specific hazard types drive the county's composite score and preparing accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Winneshiek County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 61th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 47th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (22th percentile), hurricane (12th percentile), earthquake (11th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Tornado exposure at the 61th percentile nationally makes Winneshiek 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. The secondary flood hazard at the 47th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Winneshiek County's preparedness calendar, since flood and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. In Winneshiek 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
Winneshiek County sits within 3.5 composite points of the Iowa state average, suggesting the county's hazard exposure is representative of the broader regional pattern.
Is your household prepared for Winneshiek County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Winneshiek County, IA?
What types of natural hazards affect Winneshiek County?
How does Winneshiek County risk compare to the Iowa average?
Is Winneshiek County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Winneshiek 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.