Osceola County, Iowa Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · IA
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 15th
Osceola County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 14.9, 15th national percentile), driven primarily by hail and winter weather exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $5M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Osceola County carries a very low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 14.9 out of 100 — placing it in the 15th 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 hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Medium risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 5.74 events per year; winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at Medium risk — $106K in expected annual loss and about 18.42 events per year; and drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Low risk — $249K in expected annual loss and about 17.67 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $5M in expected annual loss for a population of 6K.
Beyond physical exposure, Osceola County has a medium 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: Osceola County has received 15 federal disaster declarations since 1965, including 6 for flood events and 4 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, Osceola County ranks #95 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Hail | Medium | 5.74 / yr | $1M |
| Winter Weather | Medium | 18.42 / yr | $106K |
| Drought | Low | 17.67 / yr | $249K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 10.68 / yr | $896K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 1.05 / yr | $63K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.32 / yr | $877K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 4.00 / yr | $262K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 4.74 / yr | $100K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.04 / yr | $61 |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.36 / yr | $2M |
| Lightning | Very Low | 38.81 / yr | $46K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $4K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $8K |
| 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
Osceola County has received 15 federal disaster declarations since 1965, most recently Severe Storms, Flooding, Straight-Line Winds, and Tornadoes in June 2024. Most frequent causes: Flood (6), Severe Storm (4), 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 |
| July 2010 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes |
| 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 Osceola County?
Osceola County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 14.9 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 15th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Osceola County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Hail (Medium, $1M EAL), Winter Weather (Medium, $106K EAL), Drought (Low, $249K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Osceola County compare to other Iowa counties?
Osceola County ranks #95 of 99 Iowa counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Osceola County had?
FEMA records 15 federal disaster declarations for Osceola County since 1965, most often 6 for flood events and 4 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. Osceola County's $5M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.