Natural Disaster Risk in Essex
Iowa
Risk Summary for Essex
Essex scores 5.6/10 (Moderate risk), above the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Extreme Heat.
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: Essex, Iowa
Essex is a small community of about 1,258 in Page 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 Essex.
FEMA rates Essex's composite natural disaster risk at 5.6 out of 10 — moderate risk. The threat of extreme heat dominates the local risk profile, with the area experiencing heat waves that drive heat-related illness and place significant demand on energy infrastructure. Residents should also account for drought and hail risk in their preparedness planning.
Essex'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 Page County, the highest-scoring are heat, drought, and hail. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.
With a moderate risk rating, Essex 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 heat is recommended.
What this means for Essex: Extreme Heat preparedness
- Ensure reliable air conditioning and identify nearby cooling centers for extreme heat days.
- Check on elderly neighbors and never leave children or pets in parked vehicles.
- Stay hydrated and limit outdoor activity during the hottest hours when heat advisories are issued.
Local Factors for Essex
These city-level factors differentiate Essex from other communities in Page County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
1,258
Small TownGeographic Zone
Inland
Reduced coastal hazard exposure
Climate Band
Moderate Continental
Latitude 40.8°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Lower — moist climate limits wildfire frequency
Fire score: 4.3/10
Coordinates
40.8392° N, 95.2666° W
Page 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 Essex
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in Essex
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.