Wright County Disaster Risk
Wright County, Iowa
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
42th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#38
of 99 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
35th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 35% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 7% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 54% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 17% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 17% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Wright County, Iowa
Wright County has near-average disaster risk
With a composite risk score of 41.51, Wright County ranks as very low and sits just slightly above Iowa's state average of 39.68. The county's risk profile is broadly representative of midwestern counties, driven primarily by moderate tornado and flood exposure.
Middle-tier risk among Iowa counties
Wright County's composite risk score of 41.51 places it marginally above Iowa's state average of 39.68, making it a relatively typical Iowa county in disaster vulnerability. The county avoids the extreme concentrations of risk seen in a few high-exposure areas.
More vulnerable than Worth, less than Woodbury
Wright County's risk score of 41.51 sits squarely between Worth County (9.86) and Woodbury County (83.27), reflecting moderate regional variation in hazard exposure. The county's tornado and flood risks are notably higher than Worth's but substantially lower than Woodbury's.
Tornado and flood are the primary threats
Tornado risk of 54.39 and flood risk of 35.05 represent Wright County's primary natural disaster exposures, with both at or above state averages. Secondary risks—wildfire (7.28), earthquake (16.76), and hurricane (16.65)—remain minimal, focusing concern on spring severe weather and seasonal flooding.
Standard insurance with tornado readiness
Wright County residents should ensure homeowners insurance covers wind and hail damage and maintain adequate flood coverage, especially if your property sits in or near floodplain areas. Develop a tornado safety plan with a designated safe room, keep emergency supplies ready, and monitor spring weather forecasts closely.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Wright County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Wright County
Risk Verdict
Wright County's overall natural disaster score at the 42th percentile puts it well below the national median for hazard exposure. At the 42th percentile, Wright County's risk profile is among the more manageable in the country — the hazard-specific breakdown above shows where any remaining preparedness focus is best directed.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Wright County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 54th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 35th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (17th percentile), hurricane (17th percentile), wildfire (7th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With tornado ranked at the 54th percentile nationally, Wright 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. The secondary flood hazard at the 35th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Wright County's preparedness calendar, since flood and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. For Wright 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
Wright County's risk score is broadly comparable to the Iowa county average, with a 1.8-point gap that places the county near the center of the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for Wright County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Wright County, IA?
What types of natural hazards affect Wright County?
How does Wright County risk compare to the Iowa average?
Is Wright County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Wright 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.