Kossuth County, Iowa Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · IA
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 32th
Kossuth County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 32.3, 32th national percentile), driven primarily by drought and winter weather exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $16M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Overall natural disaster risk in Kossuth County is very low, with a National Risk Index score of 32.3 out of 100 — placing it in the 32nd 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 15.19 events per year; winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at Medium risk — $204K in expected annual loss and about 19.89 events per year; and cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at Medium risk — $3M in expected annual loss and about 11.53 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $16M in expected annual loss for a population of 15K.
Beyond physical exposure, Kossuth County has a very 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.
The federal record bears this out: Kossuth County has received 20 federal disaster declarations since 1965, including 7 for severe storm events and 7 for flood events. The most recent was Severe Storms, Flooding, Straight-Line Winds, and Tornadoes (severe storm), declared in June 2024.
Among 99 Iowa counties, Kossuth County ranks #58 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Drought | High | 15.19 / yr | $3M |
| Winter Weather | Medium | 19.89 / yr | $204K |
| Cold Wave | Medium | 11.53 / yr | $3M |
| Tornado | Low | 0.81 / yr | $3M |
| Hail | Low | 4.59 / yr | $424K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 3.70 / yr | $560K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.62 / yr | $66K |
| Lightning | Low | 41.14 / yr | $194K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.11 / yr | $506 |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 2.57 / yr | $5M |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $7K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $18K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 3.79 / yr | $28K |
| 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
Kossuth County has received 20 federal disaster declarations since 1965, most recently Severe Storms, Flooding, Straight-Line Winds, and Tornadoes in June 2024. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (7), Flood (7), Biological (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| June 2024 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Flooding, Straight-Line Winds, and Tornadoes |
| May 2024 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| 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 |
| May 2008 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| March 2007 | Snowstorm | Snow |
Showing the 10 most recent of 20 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Kossuth County?
Kossuth County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 32.3 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 32th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Kossuth County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Drought (High, $3M EAL), Winter Weather (Medium, $204K EAL), Cold Wave (Medium, $3M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Kossuth County compare to other Iowa counties?
Kossuth County ranks #58 of 99 Iowa counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Kossuth County had?
FEMA records 20 federal disaster declarations for Kossuth County since 1965, most often 7 for severe storm events and 7 for flood 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. Kossuth County's $16M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.