Clinton County, Iowa Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · IA
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 65th
Clinton County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 64.8, 65th national percentile), driven primarily by strong wind and drought exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $25M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Clinton County at low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 64.8 out of 100 — placing it in the 65th national percentile and below the national average for natural-disaster risk. 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 strong wind (damaging straight-line winds outside of tornadoes and hurricanes) at High risk — $3M in expected annual loss and about 6.14 events per year; drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at High risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 11.37 events per year; and hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Medium risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 4.02 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $25M in expected annual loss for a population of 46K.
Beyond physical exposure, Clinton County has a 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: Clinton County has received 22 federal disaster declarations since 1965, including 12 for flood events and 6 for severe storm events. The most recent was Severe Storms (severe storm), declared in August 2020.
Among 99 Iowa counties, Clinton County ranks #11 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Strong Wind | High | 6.14 / yr | $3M |
| Drought | High | 11.37 / yr | $2M |
| Hail | Medium | 4.02 / yr | $1M |
| Tornado | Medium | 0.66 / yr | $4M |
| Landslide | Low | 0.19 / yr | $7K |
| Ice Storm | Medium | 0.52 / yr | $225K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 2.54 / yr | $12M |
| Cold Wave | Medium | 7.16 / yr | $2M |
| Winter Weather | Low | 16.74 / yr | $93K |
| Heat Wave | Low | 6.16 / yr | $474K |
| Lightning | Low | 42.15 / yr | $261K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $50K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $220K |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $4K |
| 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
Clinton County has received 22 federal disaster declarations since 1965, most recently Severe Storms in August 2020. Most frequent causes: Flood (12), Severe Storm (6), Biological (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| August 2020 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| March 2019 | Flood | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| May 2013 | Flood | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding |
| May 2008 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| January 2008 | Severe Ice Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| March 2007 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storms |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| May 2004 | 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 Clinton County?
Clinton County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 64.8 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 65th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Clinton County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Strong Wind (High, $3M EAL), Drought (High, $2M EAL), Hail (Medium, $1M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Clinton County compare to other Iowa counties?
Clinton County ranks #11 of 99 Iowa counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Clinton County had?
FEMA records 22 federal disaster declarations for Clinton County since 1965, most often 12 for flood events and 6 for severe storm events. The most recent was Severe Storms, declared in August 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. Clinton County's $25M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.