Buena Vista County, Iowa Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · IA
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 39th
Buena Vista County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 39.3, 39th national percentile), driven primarily by hail and winter weather exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $12M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Buena Vista County at very low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 39.3 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.
Most of Buena Vista County's expected losses come from hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Medium risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 5.27 events per year; winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at Medium risk — $178K in expected annual loss and about 15.37 events per year; and drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Medium risk — $671K in expected annual loss and about 16.97 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $12M in expected annual loss for a population of 21K.
Beyond physical exposure, Buena Vista County has a medium social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a medium community resilience rating (its capacity to prepare for and recover from disasters). Both measures sit toward the lower end, indicating relatively modest population sensitivity.
The federal record bears this out: Buena Vista 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, Flooding, Straight-Line Winds, and Tornadoes (severe storm), declared in June 2024.
Among 99 Iowa counties, Buena Vista County ranks #41 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Hail | Medium | 5.27 / yr | $2M |
| Winter Weather | Medium | 15.37 / yr | $178K |
| Drought | Medium | 16.97 / yr | $671K |
| Tornado | Medium | 0.48 / yr | $3M |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 3.94 / yr | $771K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 8.74 / yr | $1M |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.69 / yr | $84K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.06 / yr | $672 |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 2.07 / yr | $4M |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 5.53 / yr | $105K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $26K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 41.52 / yr | $65K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $6K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Buena Vista County has received 22 federal disaster declarations since 1965, most recently Severe Storms, Flooding, Straight-Line Winds, and Tornadoes in June 2024. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (10), Flood (7), Biological (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| June 2024 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Flooding, Straight-Line Winds, and Tornadoes |
| May 2024 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| 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 2018 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding |
| July 2014 | Flood | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding |
| July 2013 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| May 2011 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Straight-Line Winds |
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 Buena Vista County?
Buena Vista County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 39.3 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 Buena Vista County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Hail (Medium, $2M EAL), Winter Weather (Medium, $178K EAL), Drought (Medium, $671K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Buena Vista County compare to other Iowa counties?
Buena Vista County ranks #41 of 99 Iowa counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Buena Vista County had?
FEMA records 22 federal disaster declarations for Buena Vista County since 1965, most often 10 for severe storm events and 7 for flood events. The most recent was Severe Storms, Flooding, Straight-Line Winds, and Tornadoes, declared in June 2024.
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. Buena Vista County's $12M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.