Worth County Disaster Risk
Worth County, Iowa
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
10th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#99
of 99 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
11th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 11% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 3% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 36% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 5% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Worth County, Iowa
Worth County enjoys very low disaster risk
With a composite risk score of just 9.86, Worth County ranks as very low for natural disasters—well below Iowa's state average of 39.68 and among the safest counties nationally. This favorable profile reflects consistently low exposure across flood, wildfire, and earthquake hazards.
Iowa's safest counties by far
Worth County's composite risk score of 9.86 places it in Iowa's lowest tier of disaster vulnerability, dramatically outperforming the state average of 39.68. The county's minimal flood risk (10.72), wildfire risk (3.18), and earthquake risk (4.83) contribute to this exceptional safety profile.
Safest in a relatively low-risk region
Worth County's risk score of 9.86 is substantially lower than Wright County (41.51) and miles ahead of Woodbury County (83.27). Even within a region of generally lower disaster exposure, Worth County stands out as exceptionally protected from natural hazards.
Tornado risk is the main concern
Worth County's only meaningful natural disaster exposure is tornado risk at 36.01, still well below statewide levels and manageable with proper planning. All other major hazards—flood, wildfire, earthquake—score extremely low, leaving residents with minimal multi-hazard vulnerability.
Standard coverage meets local needs
Worth County's low-risk profile means standard homeowners insurance typically provides adequate protection, though tornado-specific preparation remains prudent—identify a safe room and keep emergency supplies accessible. Your primary focus should be maintaining working smoke detectors and a basic emergency kit rather than specialized disaster coverage.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Worth County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Worth County
Risk Verdict
Worth County sits in the lower tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure, ranked at the 10th percentile nationally. A preparedness foundation — alert registration, household communication plan, and a basic supply review — costs little and remains valuable even at Worth County's favorable 10th percentile ranking.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Worth County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 36th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 11th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (5th percentile), wildfire (3th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 36th percentile nationally for tornado risk, Worth County households benefit most from a reliable alert system — a NOAA weather radio that activates during overnight hours when residents may not be checking smartphone alerts. Alongside tornado exposure, flood at the 11th percentile nationally means Worth County households face multi-hazard severe-weather seasons that benefit from a single integrated emergency plan covering both threats. For Worth County households, a pre-decided family shelter plan — who goes where, how children are retrieved from school during a warning, and a neighborhood meet-up point if phones fail — provides real protection that no supply kit alone can replicate.
Regional Context
Worth County falls 29.8 points below Iowa's typical county risk level, making it one of the safer natural-hazard environments in the state.
Is your household prepared for Worth County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Worth County, IA?
What types of natural hazards affect Worth County?
How does Worth County risk compare to the Iowa average?
Is Worth County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Worth 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.