Ringgold County, Iowa Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · IA
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 14th
Ringgold County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 14.2, 14th national percentile), driven primarily by drought and heat wave exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $8M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Ringgold County at very low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 14.2 out of 100 — placing it in the 14th 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 8.59 events per year; heat wave (prolonged periods of extreme heat that threaten health and infrastructure) at Low risk — $934K in expected annual loss and about 7.68 events per year; and hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Low risk — $578K in expected annual loss and about 5.58 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $8M in expected annual loss for a population of 5K.
Beyond physical exposure, Ringgold County has a very low social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a medium community resilience rating (its capacity to prepare for and recover from disasters). Both measures sit toward the lower end, indicating relatively modest population sensitivity.
History supports the rating: Ringgold County has received 20 federal disaster declarations since 1969, including 8 for flood events and 6 for severe storm events. The most recent was Severe Storms and Tornadoes (tornado), declared in May 2024.
Among 99 Iowa counties, Ringgold County ranks #96 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Drought | High | 8.59 / yr | $3M |
| Heat Wave | Low | 7.68 / yr | $934K |
| Hail | Low | 5.58 / yr | $578K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.26 / yr | $4K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 4.41 / yr | $633K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 4.47 / yr | $1M |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $23K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.39 / yr | $775K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.42 / yr | $16K |
| Winter Weather | Very Low | 11.42 / yr | $15K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $12K |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $1K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.79 / yr | $985K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 45.34 / yr | $23K |
| 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
Ringgold County has received 20 federal disaster declarations since 1969, most recently Severe Storms and Tornadoes in May 2024. Most frequent causes: Flood (8), Severe Storm (6), Biological (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| May 2024 | Tornado | Severe Storms and Tornadoes |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| March 2019 | Flood | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| July 2014 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding |
| May 2013 | Flood | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding |
| July 2010 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes |
| May 2008 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| January 2008 | Severe Ice Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| May 2007 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes |
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 Ringgold County?
Ringgold County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 14.2 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 14th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Ringgold County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Drought (High, $3M EAL), Heat Wave (Low, $934K EAL), Hail (Low, $578K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Ringgold County compare to other Iowa counties?
Ringgold County ranks #96 of 99 Iowa counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Ringgold County had?
FEMA records 20 federal disaster declarations for Ringgold County since 1969, most often 8 for flood events and 6 for severe storm events. The most recent was Severe Storms and Tornadoes, 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. Ringgold County's $8M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.