Natural Disaster Risk in Dubuque

Natural Hazard Profile: Dubuque, Iowa

Dubuque is a city of approximately 43,101 residents in Dubuque 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 Dubuque.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Dubuque carries an overall risk score of 6.2/10, placing it in the high category. Hail is the primary natural disaster concern, with severe storms delivering baseball-sized or larger hailstones that cause significant insured losses each year. The area also faces notable exposure to landslide and tornado.

Dubuque'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 Dubuque County, the highest-scoring are hail, landslide, and tornado. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

With a high natural disaster risk rating, Dubuque residents benefit from taking preparedness seriously. Reviewing insurance coverage for hail and secondary hazards, registering for emergency alerts, and maintaining a household emergency kit are practical steps that can significantly reduce impact during a major event.