Hancock County, Iowa Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · IA
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 29th
Hancock County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 28.8, 29th national percentile), driven primarily by drought and winter weather exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $11M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Hancock County at very low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 28.8 out of 100 — placing it in the 29th 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 — $3M in expected annual loss and about 18.23 events per year; winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at Medium risk — $136K in expected annual loss and about 19.58 events per year; and cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at Medium risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 11.26 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $11M in expected annual loss for a population of 11K.
Beyond physical exposure, Hancock 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: Hancock County has received 15 federal disaster declarations since 1991, including 5 for severe storm events and 5 for flood events. The most recent was Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding (severe storm), declared in May 2024.
Among 99 Iowa counties, Hancock County ranks #68 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Drought | High | 18.23 / yr | $3M |
| Winter Weather | Medium | 19.58 / yr | $136K |
| Cold Wave | Medium | 11.26 / yr | $2M |
| Hail | Low | 4.64 / yr | $507K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.51 / yr | $1M |
| Strong Wind | Low | 3.82 / yr | $448K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.58 / yr | $28K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.06 / yr | $173 |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 1.39 / yr | $3M |
| Lightning | Very Low | 41.66 / yr | $69K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $14K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 3.47 / yr | $18K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $2K |
| 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
Hancock County has received 15 federal disaster declarations since 1991, most recently Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding in May 2024. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (5), Flood (5), Biological (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| May 2008 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| March 2007 | Snowstorm | Snow |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
Showing the 10 most recent of 15 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Hancock County?
Hancock County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 28.8 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 29th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Hancock County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Drought (High, $3M EAL), Winter Weather (Medium, $136K EAL), Cold Wave (Medium, $2M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Hancock County compare to other Iowa counties?
Hancock County ranks #68 of 99 Iowa counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Hancock County had?
FEMA records 15 federal disaster declarations for Hancock County since 1991, most often 5 for severe storm events and 5 for flood events. The most recent was Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding, declared in May 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. Hancock County's $11M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.