Hardin County, Iowa Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · IA
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 58th
Hardin County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 58.4, 58th national percentile), driven primarily by hail and drought exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $20M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Hardin County carries a low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 58.4 out of 100 — placing it in the 58th 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 hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at High risk — $5M in expected annual loss and about 5.74 events per year; drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at High risk — $3M in expected annual loss and about 9.61 events per year; and tornado (violently rotating columns of air capable of catastrophic local damage) at Medium risk — $3M in expected annual loss and about 0.58 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $20M in expected annual loss for a population of 17K.
Beyond physical exposure, Hardin 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: Hardin County has received 18 federal disaster declarations since 1965, including 8 for severe storm events and 6 for flood events. The most recent was Severe Storms (severe storm), declared in August 2020.
Among 99 Iowa counties, Hardin County ranks #19 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Hail | High | 5.74 / yr | $5M |
| Drought | High | 9.61 / yr | $3M |
| Tornado | Medium | 0.58 / yr | $3M |
| Winter Weather | Medium | 17.79 / yr | $141K |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 5.57 / yr | $969K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 9.26 / yr | $1M |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 1.71 / yr | $7M |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.65 / yr | $56K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.08 / yr | $697 |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $25K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $28K |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $5K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 4.05 / yr | $22K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 41.62 / yr | $33K |
| 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
Hardin County has received 18 federal disaster declarations since 1965, most recently Severe Storms in August 2020. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (8), Flood (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 |
| August 2014 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding |
| July 2013 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| March 2010 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| May 2008 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| March 2007 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storms |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
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 Hardin County?
Hardin County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 58.4 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 58th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Hardin County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Hail (High, $5M EAL), Drought (High, $3M EAL), Tornado (Medium, $3M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Hardin County compare to other Iowa counties?
Hardin County ranks #19 of 99 Iowa counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Hardin County had?
FEMA records 18 federal disaster declarations for Hardin County since 1965, most often 8 for severe storm events and 6 for flood 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. Hardin County's $20M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.