Natural Disaster Risk in Charles City
Iowa
Risk Summary for Charles City
Charles City scores 5.0/10 (Moderate risk), near the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Drought.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Scores
How it compares
Live Conditions
🏠 What this means for insurance
Average risk — standard coverage usually sufficient
This area carries average natural disaster risk. A standard homeowners or renters policy should cover common events, but review the exclusions for floods and earthquakes, which are almost never included by default.
This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.
Natural Hazard Profile: Charles City, Iowa
Charles City is a town of roughly 9,358 residents in Floyd 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 Charles City.
According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Charles City carries an overall risk score of 5.0/10, placing it in the moderate category. 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. The area also faces notable exposure to hail and tornado.
Charles City's risk score, slightly below the 5.4/10 state average and near the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Floyd County, the highest-scoring are drought, hail, and tornado. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.
With a moderate risk rating, Charles City 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.
What this means for Charles City: Drought preparedness
- Adopt water-efficient landscaping and fixtures to reduce strain during extended dry periods.
- Be aware that prolonged drought raises secondary risks including wildfire and foundation soil movement.
- Follow local water-use restrictions, which may be enacted during severe drought conditions.
Local Factors for Charles City
These city-level factors differentiate Charles City from other communities in Floyd County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
9,358
Small TownGeographic Zone
Inland
Reduced coastal hazard exposure
Climate Band
Cool Continental
Latitude 43.1°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Lower — moist climate limits wildfire frequency
Fire score: 3.8/10
Coordinates
43.0798° N, 92.6610° W
Floyd 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 Charles City
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in Charles City
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.