Woodbury County Disaster Risk
Woodbury County, Iowa
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
83th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#5
of 99 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
78th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 78% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 87% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively High
Higher than 97% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 31% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Woodbury County, Iowa
Woodbury faces above-average disaster risk
With a composite risk score of 83.27, Woodbury County ranks as relatively moderate for natural disasters—more than double Iowa's state average of 39.68. This puts the county in a notably higher risk category than most U.S. counties, driven primarily by severe tornado and wildfire exposure.
Among Iowa's riskiest counties
Woodbury County's composite risk score of 83.27 places it well above the state average, making it one of Iowa's counties most vulnerable to natural hazards. The county's tornado risk of 96.53 and wildfire risk of 87.37 are particularly elevated compared to statewide benchmarks.
Notably riskier than nearby counties
Woodbury County's risk profile stands out sharply against its neighbors: Worth County scores just 9.86 and Wright County scores 41.51, both significantly lower than Woodbury's 83.27. This disparity reflects Woodbury's outsized exposure to tornadoes and wildfires relative to the surrounding region.
Tornadoes and wildfires dominate
Tornado risk reaches 96.53 in Woodbury County—the county's most critical hazard—while wildfire risk of 87.37 poses a secondary but serious threat. Flood risk of 78.18 also warrants attention, particularly for residents near river corridors and low-lying areas.
Prioritize comprehensive disaster coverage
Given tornado and wildfire exposures, Woodbury County residents should verify their homeowners insurance covers wind and hail damage, and consider separate wildfire coverage if available in your area. A weather radio and family emergency plan are essential—tornadoes demand minutes of warning, and having a safe room identified can save lives.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Woodbury County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Woodbury County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard risk in Woodbury County is higher than the majority of U.S. counties, with a national composite rank of 83th. Woodbury County's elevated composite score reflects cumulative multi-hazard exposure; households should prepare for the county's two or three primary hazard types.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Woodbury County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 97th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 87th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (78th percentile), earthquake (31th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Ranked at the 97th percentile nationally for tornado risk, Woodbury County is in a zone where storm shelters have the highest per-dollar protective value of any mitigation investment. Woodbury County's county shelter map is typically available through the local emergency management office. Wildfire is the second hazard driver for Woodbury County at the 87th percentile nationally, meaning households should maintain awareness of both severe-weather and wildfire-specific warning systems. Woodbury 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 43.6 points above the Iowa state average puts Woodbury County in a higher-risk category than most counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Woodbury County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Woodbury County, IA?
What types of natural hazards affect Woodbury County?
How does Woodbury County risk compare to the Iowa average?
Is Woodbury County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Woodbury 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.