Dickinson County, Iowa Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · IA
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 36th
Dickinson County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 36.3, 36th national percentile), driven primarily by winter weather and ice storm exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $14M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Dickinson County carries a very low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 36.3 out of 100 — placing it in the 36th 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 winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at Medium risk — $317K in expected annual loss and about 19.26 events per year; ice storm (freezing rain that coats surfaces in heavy, damaging ice) at Medium risk — $278K in expected annual loss and about 1.05 events per year; and hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Low risk — $668K in expected annual loss and about 4.77 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $14M in expected annual loss for a population of 18K.
Beyond physical exposure, Dickinson 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.
History supports the rating: Dickinson County has received 18 federal disaster declarations since 1965, including 7 for flood events and 6 for severe storm events. The most recent was Severe Storms, Flooding, Straight-Line Winds, and Tornadoes (severe storm), declared in June 2024.
Among 99 Iowa counties, Dickinson County ranks #47 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Winter Weather | Medium | 19.26 / yr | $317K |
| Ice Storm | Medium | 1.05 / yr | $278K |
| Hail | Low | 4.77 / yr | $668K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.31 / yr | $3M |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $76K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 10.84 / yr | $1M |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 2.75 / yr | $8M |
| Drought | Low | 11.03 / yr | $110K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.05 / yr | $651 |
| Strong Wind | Low | 3.47 / yr | $427K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 4.47 / yr | $186K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 38.54 / yr | $60K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $17K |
| 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
Dickinson County has received 18 federal disaster declarations since 1965, most recently Severe Storms, Flooding, Straight-Line Winds, and Tornadoes in June 2024. Most frequent causes: Flood (7), Severe Storm (6), Biological (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| June 2024 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Flooding, 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 |
| May 2013 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| August 2011 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding |
| July 2010 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes |
| February 2010 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storms and Snowstorm |
Showing the 10 most recent of 18 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Dickinson County?
Dickinson County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 36.3 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 36th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Dickinson County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Winter Weather (Medium, $317K EAL), Ice Storm (Medium, $278K EAL), Hail (Low, $668K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Dickinson County compare to other Iowa counties?
Dickinson County ranks #47 of 99 Iowa counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Dickinson County had?
FEMA records 18 federal disaster declarations for Dickinson County since 1965, most often 7 for flood events and 6 for severe storm 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. Dickinson County's $14M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.