Iowa County, Wisconsin Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · WI
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 23th
Iowa County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 23.4, 23th national percentile), driven primarily by landslide and hail exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $11M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Overall natural disaster risk in Iowa County is very low, with a National Risk Index score of 23.4 out of 100 — placing it in the 23rd 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.
Most of Iowa County's expected losses come from landslide (downhill movement of rock, soil, and debris on unstable slopes) at Medium risk — $99K in expected annual loss and about 0.79 events per year; hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Medium risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 3.47 events per year; and cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at Low risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 5.84 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $11M in expected annual loss for a population of 24K.
Beyond physical exposure, Iowa County has a very 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: Iowa County has received 17 federal disaster declarations since 1976, including 9 for severe storm events and 2 for flood events. The most recent was Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding (flood), declared in June 2026.
Among 72 Wisconsin counties, Iowa County ranks #67 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Landslide | Medium | 0.79 / yr | $99K |
| Hail | Medium | 3.47 / yr | $1M |
| Cold Wave | Low | 5.84 / yr | $2M |
| Tornado | Low | 0.50 / yr | $2M |
| Heat Wave | Low | 3.68 / yr | $367K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 4.16 / yr | $507K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.68 / yr | $5M |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.66 / yr | $40K |
| Drought | Very Low | 5.25 / yr | $25K |
| Winter Weather | Very Low | 15.79 / yr | $26K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $10K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $36K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 37.58 / yr | $69K |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $2K |
| 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
Iowa County has received 17 federal disaster declarations since 1976, most recently Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding in June 2026. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (9), Flood (2), Biological (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| June 2026 | Flood | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| October 2017 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Flooding, Landslides, and Mud |
| August 2013 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Flooding, and Mudslides |
| April 2011 | Snowstorm | Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm |
| June 2008 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| August 2007 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| June 2004 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
Showing the 10 most recent of 17 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Iowa County?
Iowa County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 23.4 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 23th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Iowa County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Landslide (Medium, $99K EAL), Hail (Medium, $1M EAL), Cold Wave (Low, $2M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Iowa County compare to other Wisconsin counties?
Iowa County ranks #67 of 72 Wisconsin counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Iowa County had?
FEMA records 17 federal disaster declarations for Iowa County since 1976, most often 9 for severe storm events and 2 for flood events. The most recent was Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding, declared in June 2026.
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. Iowa County's $11M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.