Iowa County Disaster Risk
Iowa County, Wisconsin
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
23th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#67
of 72 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
32th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 32% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 19% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 49% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 19% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 8% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Iowa County, Wisconsin
Iowa County: Well Below National Risk
Iowa County scores 23.38 on the composite risk index, placing it in the Very Low category and well below the national average. This means residents face significantly lower exposure to major natural disasters compared to typical U.S. counties.
Among Wisconsin's Safest Counties
With a composite risk score of 23.38 versus Wisconsin's state average of 59.08, Iowa County ranks as one of the safest in the state. The county's risk profile is less than 40% of the statewide average.
Iowa County Outperforms Neighbors
Iowa County's 23.38 score substantially undercuts neighboring Jackson County (48.06) and Juneau County (70.80). The county's low-risk standing makes it a relatively safer location within south-central Wisconsin.
Tornado Risk Deserves Your Attention
While Iowa County's overall risk is very low, tornadoes present the county's most notable hazard with a risk score of 49.33, followed by flood risk at 31.74. Wildfire and earthquake risks remain minimal at 19.47 and 19.31 respectively.
Secure Your Home Against Iowa's Storms
Iowa County residents should prioritize tornado preparedness with a safe room or shelter plan, especially during spring and summer. Standard homeowners insurance covers most perils; verify your policy includes wind and hail protection.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Iowa County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Iowa County
Risk Verdict
Iowa County sits in the lower tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure, ranked at the 23th percentile nationally. At the 23th percentile nationally, Iowa County's natural hazard profile is comparatively favorable — community resilience is reinforced when individual households maintain a reviewed emergency plan.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Iowa County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 49th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 32th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (19th percentile), earthquake (19th percentile), hurricane (8th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 49th percentile nationally for tornado risk, Iowa 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. Flood is the second hazard driver for Iowa County at the 32th percentile nationally, meaning households should maintain awareness of both severe-weather and flood-specific warning systems. For Iowa 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
Iowa County falls 35.7 points below Wisconsin's typical county risk level, making it one of the safer natural-hazard environments in the state.
Is your household prepared for Iowa County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Iowa County, WI?
What types of natural hazards affect Iowa County?
How does Iowa County risk compare to the Wisconsin average?
Is Iowa County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Iowa 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.