Iowa natural disaster risk
Iowa ranks #6 of 51 from safest. Its biggest relative risks are drought, hail, tornado.
The vertical line marks the middle of U.S. counties (50).
Risk in Iowa's largest counties
| County | Population | Risk score | FEMA rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polk County | 503,175 | 92.0 | Relatively Moderate |
| Linn County | 230,004 | 86.7 | Relatively Moderate |
| Scott County | 174,608 | 84.9 | Relatively Moderate |
| Johnson County | 156,639 | 87.4 | Relatively Moderate |
| Black Hawk County | 131,049 | 76.6 | Relatively Low |
| Dallas County | 107,968 | 60.6 | Relatively Low |
| Woodbury County | 106,247 | 83.3 | Relatively Moderate |
| Story County | 100,466 | 68.8 | Relatively Low |
| Dubuque County | 99,030 | 63.6 | Relatively Low |
| Pottawattamie County | 93,424 | 80.4 | Relatively Low |
| Warren County | 54,409 | 36.1 | Very Low |
| Clinton County | 46,268 | 64.8 | Relatively Low |
| Cerro Gordo County | 42,632 | 69.6 | Relatively Low |
| Muscatine County | 42,559 | 57.8 | Relatively Low |
| Marshall County | 40,114 | 62.5 | Relatively Low |
| Des Moines County | 38,487 | 55.8 | Relatively Low |
| Jasper County | 37,954 | 43.7 | Relatively Low |
| Webster County | 36,886 | 60.0 | Relatively Low |
| Sioux County | 36,212 | 52.4 | Relatively Low |
| Wapello County | 35,362 | 65.3 | Relatively Low |
| Marion County | 33,642 | 34.4 | Very Low |
| Lee County | 32,893 | 62.9 | Relatively Low |
| Boone County | 26,668 | 28.4 | Very Low |
| Plymouth County | 25,747 | 49.2 | Relatively Low |
| Benton County | 25,724 | 28.8 | Very Low |
County scores are averages, and the insurance figure above is what owners with a mortgage reported paying in 2024 (Census American Community Survey); premiums have risen since, especially in high-risk areas. For a specific home, check the address on FEMA's flood map and get insurance quotes before you commit. Our guide explains how to check natural disaster risk before you move.
Lowest-risk counties in Iowa
- Buchanan County 24.0
- Bremer County 24.6
- Boone County 28.4
- Benton County 28.8
- Mahaska County 29.7
- Henry County 30.9
- Jones County 32.7
- Marion County 34.4
Cities in Iowa
- Omaha, NE risk 85
- Des Moines, IA risk 78.6
Frequently asked questions
Is Iowa safe from natural disasters?
Iowa's population-weighted FEMA risk score is 62.8 out of 100 (above average for U.S. counties), #6 of 51 from safest. No residents live in counties FEMA rates relatively high or very high.
What natural disasters happen in Iowa?
The highest relative risks in Iowa are drought, hail, tornado (national percentile scores 88, 85, 79).
Where is the safest place to live in Iowa?
Among counties with at least 20,000 people, the lowest FEMA risk scores are in Buchanan County, Bremer County, Boone County.