Natural Disaster Risk in Delaware County

Natural Hazard Profile: Delaware County, Iowa

Delaware County is located in the United States in Iowa, home to roughly 17,486 residents. The county experiences cold winters, hot summers, and frequent severe weather, with a tornado-active spring season shaping the natural hazards faced by its communities. FEMA assesses risk at this county level, providing the baseline for every city and ZIP code within its boundaries.

FEMA rates Delaware County's composite natural disaster risk at 5.4 out of 10 — moderate 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.

Delaware County's risk score, near 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 Delaware 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.

With a moderate risk rating, Delaware County 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 hail is recommended.