Audubon County, Iowa Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · IA
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 39th
Audubon County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 38.6, 39th national percentile), driven primarily by drought and landslide exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $11M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Audubon County at very low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 38.6 out of 100 — placing it in the 39th national percentile and among the lowest-risk counties in the country. The score blends Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across all 18 FEMA hazard types.
The county's risk is driven primarily by drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at High risk — $4M in expected annual loss and about 8.34 events per year; landslide (downhill movement of rock, soil, and debris on unstable slopes) at Low risk — $5K in expected annual loss and about 0.27 events per year; and cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at Medium risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 6.00 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $11M in expected annual loss for a population of 6K.
Beyond physical exposure, Audubon County has a medium social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a very high community resilience rating (its capacity to prepare for and recover from disasters). A less vulnerable population paired with strong resilience helps the community absorb and recover from events.
The federal record bears this out: Audubon County has received 22 federal disaster declarations since 1965, including 10 for severe storm events and 7 for flood events. The most recent was Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, and Tornadoes (severe storm), declared in February 2022.
Among 99 Iowa counties, Audubon County ranks #42 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Drought | High | 8.34 / yr | $4M |
| Landslide | Low | 0.27 / yr | $5K |
| Cold Wave | Medium | 6.00 / yr | $2M |
| Hail | Low | 6.11 / yr | $458K |
| Ice Storm | Medium | 0.84 / yr | $140K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.39 / yr | $2M |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 4.95 / yr | $590K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 6.58 / yr | $184K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 14.00 / yr | $34K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $17K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.96 / yr | $2M |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $4K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 44.44 / yr | $22K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $6K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Audubon County has received 22 federal disaster declarations since 1965, most recently Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, and Tornadoes in February 2022. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (10), Flood (7), Biological (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| February 2022 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, and Tornadoes |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| March 2019 | Flood | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| August 2014 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding |
| July 2013 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| July 2010 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes |
| March 2010 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| February 2010 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storms and Snowstorm |
| May 2008 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
Showing the 10 most recent of 22 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Audubon County?
Audubon County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 38.6 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 39th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Audubon County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Drought (High, $4M EAL), Landslide (Low, $5K EAL), Cold Wave (Medium, $2M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Audubon County compare to other Iowa counties?
Audubon County ranks #42 of 99 Iowa counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Audubon County had?
FEMA records 22 federal disaster declarations for Audubon County since 1965, most often 10 for severe storm events and 7 for flood events. The most recent was Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, and Tornadoes, declared in February 2022.
What does Expected Annual Loss (EAL) mean?
EAL is FEMA's estimate of average annual dollar losses from natural hazards, calculated from historical event data and exposure models. Audubon County's $11M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.