Natural Disaster Risk in Burlington
Iowa
Risk Summary for Burlington
Burlington scores 6.5/10 (High risk), above the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Hail.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Scores
How it compares
Live Conditions
🏠 What this means for insurance
Above-average risk — check your policy limits
Standard homeowners insurance may not fully cover all hazards rated highly in this area. Verify that your policy includes adequate coverage for the top local hazards, and ask your insurer about specific endorsements or separate policies (e.g., flood, earthquake).
This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.
Natural Hazard Profile: Burlington, Iowa
Burlington is a city of approximately 27,341 residents in Des Moines County, in the interior eastern United States. The area experiences cold winters, hot summers, and frequent severe weather, with a tornado-active spring season shaping the pattern of natural hazards that residents encounter. Understanding the local risk profile is essential for anyone living in, moving to, or owning property in Burlington.
FEMA rates Burlington's composite natural disaster risk at 6.5 out of 10 — high risk. Hailstorm risk tops the local hazard profile, driven by frequent severe thunderstorm development that produces some of the most property-damaging hail in the country. Residents should also account for drought and wind risk in their preparedness planning.
Burlington's risk score, slightly above the 5.4/10 state average and above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Des Moines County, the highest-scoring are hail, drought, and wind. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.
Burlington's high risk designation reflects meaningful exposure to natural hazards. Residents should verify that their insurance covers the area's primary risks, prepare a family emergency plan, and stay informed about seasonal hazard peaks through local weather and emergency management services.
What this means for Burlington: Hail preparedness
- Impact-resistant (Class 4) roofing can reduce hail damage and may lower insurance premiums.
- Park vehicles under cover when severe storms are forecast to avoid costly hail damage.
- Document roof and property condition annually to streamline any future hail claims.
Local Factors for Burlington
These city-level factors differentiate Burlington from other communities in Des Moines County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
27,341
SuburbanGeographic Zone
Inland
Reduced coastal hazard exposure
Climate Band
Moderate Continental
Latitude 40.9°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Moderate — seasonal fire risk
Fire score: 5.0/10
Coordinates
40.8551° N, 91.1110° W
Des Moines County
Population and coordinates from SimpleMaps US Cities data. Hazard scores from FEMA National Risk Index. Geographic classification derived from coordinates.
Recent Climate Data for Burlington
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in Burlington
Other cities in Iowa
Data source: FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Scores normalized to 1–10 across all US counties. City scores inherit county-level FEMA data. For informational purposes only.