Emmet County, Iowa Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · IA
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 43th
Emmet County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 42.7, 43th national percentile), driven primarily by drought and cold wave exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $14M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Emmet County at very low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 42.7 out of 100 — placing it in the 43rd 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 9.83 events per year; cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at Medium risk — $6M in expected annual loss and about 11.53 events per year; and winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at Medium risk — $104K in expected annual loss and about 18.95 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $14M in expected annual loss for a population of 9K.
Beyond physical exposure, Emmet County has a low social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a 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: Emmet County has received 19 federal disaster declarations since 1965, including 8 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, Emmet County ranks #36 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Drought | High | 9.83 / yr | $4M |
| Cold Wave | Medium | 11.53 / yr | $6M |
| Winter Weather | Medium | 18.95 / yr | $104K |
| Hail | Low | 4.52 / yr | $364K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.32 / yr | $1M |
| Lightning | Low | 39.40 / yr | $159K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.66 / yr | $48K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.05 / yr | $320 |
| Strong Wind | Low | 3.57 / yr | $294K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 3.89 / yr | $99K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $10K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 2.71 / yr | $3M |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $5K |
| 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
Emmet County has received 19 federal disaster declarations since 1965, most recently Severe Storms, Flooding, Straight-Line Winds, and Tornadoes in June 2024. Most frequent causes: Flood (8), Severe Storm (6), Biological (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| June 2024 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Flooding, Straight-Line Winds, and Tornadoes |
| 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 2010 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes |
| March 2010 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| February 2010 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storms and Snowstorm |
Showing the 10 most recent of 19 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Emmet County?
Emmet County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 42.7 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 43th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Emmet County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Drought (High, $4M EAL), Cold Wave (Medium, $6M EAL), Winter Weather (Medium, $104K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Emmet County compare to other Iowa counties?
Emmet County ranks #36 of 99 Iowa counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Emmet County had?
FEMA records 19 federal disaster declarations for Emmet County since 1965, most often 8 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. Emmet County's $14M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.