Natural Disaster Risk in Chariton

Natural Hazard Profile: Chariton, Iowa

Located in the interior eastern United States in Lucas County, Chariton is a town of roughly 6,414 residents. The humid continental climate that characterizes this part of Iowa — marked by cold winters, hot summers, and frequent severe weather — directly influences the types and severity of natural hazards present, making Chariton a community where hazard awareness has real practical value.

Chariton's overall natural disaster risk is rated 5.4/10 (Moderate) by FEMA's National Risk Index. Prolonged drought is the primary hazard risk, shaped by low annual rainfall, high evaporation rates, and increasing temperature trends that deepen and lengthen dry periods. Secondary hazards include landslide and hail.

Relative to other U.S. communities, Chariton's natural disaster risk is above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10, near the 5.4/10 state average. The hazard distribution here is led by drought and landslide, as measured by FEMA across Lucas County. While city-specific sub-county variation exists, these scores represent the best available federal risk estimate.

With a moderate risk rating, Chariton residents are well-served by maintaining standard preparedness practices — an emergency supply kit, awareness of local hazard seasonality, and insurance that covers the top local risks. Periodic review of coverage for drought is recommended.