Poweshiek County, Iowa Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · IA
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 31th
Poweshiek County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 31.3, 31th national percentile), driven primarily by drought and strong wind exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $12M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Overall natural disaster risk in Poweshiek County is very low, with a National Risk Index score of 31.3 out of 100 — placing it in the 31st 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.
Risk here concentrates in drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at High risk — $3M in expected annual loss and about 8.22 events per year; strong wind (damaging straight-line winds outside of tornadoes and hurricanes) at Medium risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 6.47 events per year; and hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Medium risk — $790K in expected annual loss and about 5.62 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $12M in expected annual loss for a population of 19K.
Beyond physical exposure, Poweshiek 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.
History supports the rating: Poweshiek County has received 15 federal disaster declarations since 1969, including 7 for severe storm events and 4 for flood events. The most recent was Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding (severe storm), declared in May 2024.
Among 99 Iowa counties, Poweshiek County ranks #62 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Drought | High | 8.22 / yr | $3M |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 6.47 / yr | $1M |
| Hail | Medium | 5.62 / yr | $790K |
| Landslide | Low | 0.22 / yr | $8K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.57 / yr | $2M |
| Heat Wave | Low | 6.05 / yr | $410K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 13.89 / yr | $67K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $43K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.59 / yr | $70K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 6.58 / yr | $755K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $54K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.89 / yr | $3M |
| Lightning | Very Low | 44.37 / yr | $79K |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $3K |
| 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
Poweshiek County has received 15 federal disaster declarations since 1969, most recently Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding in May 2024. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (7), Flood (4), Biological (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| May 2024 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| August 2020 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| August 2014 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding |
| July 2013 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| May 2008 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| March 2007 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storms |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| May 2004 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
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 Poweshiek County?
Poweshiek County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 31.3 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 31th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Poweshiek County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Drought (High, $3M EAL), Strong Wind (Medium, $1M EAL), Hail (Medium, $790K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Poweshiek County compare to other Iowa counties?
Poweshiek County ranks #62 of 99 Iowa counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Poweshiek County had?
FEMA records 15 federal disaster declarations for Poweshiek County since 1969, most often 7 for severe storm events and 4 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. Poweshiek County's $12M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.