Bremer County, Iowa Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · IA
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 25th
Bremer County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 24.6, 25th national percentile), driven primarily by drought and hail exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $15M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Bremer County carries a very low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 24.6 out of 100 — placing it in the 25th 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.
Most of Bremer County's expected losses come from drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Medium risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 15.56 events per year; hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Low risk — $993K in expected annual loss and about 4.76 events per year; and winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at Low risk — $129K in expected annual loss and about 17.79 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $15M in expected annual loss for a population of 25K.
Beyond physical exposure, Bremer County has a very low 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: Bremer County has received 17 federal disaster declarations since 1965, including 8 for flood events and 6 for severe storm events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic (biological), declared in March 2020.
Among 99 Iowa counties, Bremer County ranks #76 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Drought | Medium | 15.56 / yr | $2M |
| Hail | Low | 4.76 / yr | $993K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 17.79 / yr | $129K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.39 / yr | $2M |
| Strong Wind | Low | 4.78 / yr | $1M |
| Cold Wave | Low | 9.32 / yr | $1M |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 1.46 / yr | $7M |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.43 / yr | $46K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.05 / yr | $330 |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $17K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 3.68 / yr | $96K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $28K |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $2K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 40.55 / yr | $48K |
| 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
Bremer County has received 17 federal disaster declarations since 1965, most recently Covid-19 Pandemic in March 2020. Most frequent causes: Flood (8), Severe Storm (6), Biological (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| March 2019 | Flood | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| August 2017 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding |
| October 2016 | Flood | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| May 2008 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| March 2007 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storms |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| May 2004 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| July 1999 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
Showing the 10 most recent of 17 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Bremer County?
Bremer County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 24.6 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 25th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Bremer County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Drought (Medium, $2M EAL), Hail (Low, $993K EAL), Winter Weather (Low, $129K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Bremer County compare to other Iowa counties?
Bremer County ranks #76 of 99 Iowa counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Bremer County had?
FEMA records 17 federal disaster declarations for Bremer County since 1965, most often 8 for flood events and 6 for severe storm events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic, declared in March 2020.
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. Bremer County's $15M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.