Natural Disaster Risk in Harlan
Iowa
Risk Summary for Harlan
Harlan 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: Harlan, Iowa
Harlan, in Shelby County, is a town of roughly 6,382 residents situated in the interior eastern United States. Its humid continental climate brings cold winters, hot summers, and frequent severe weather, and in particular a tornado-active spring season. These conditions collectively define the natural hazard environment that Harlan residents and property owners must navigate.
Harlan's overall natural disaster risk is rated 5.0/10 (Moderate) by FEMA's National Risk Index. The area faces significant drought exposure, where below-average precipitation over extended periods strains water resources and drives secondary hazards like wildfire and crop failure. Secondary hazards include hail and landslide.
Within Iowa, Harlan's risk is, slightly below the 5.4/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks near the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of Shelby County identifies drought as the foremost hazard, followed by hail and landslide. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.
With a moderate risk rating, Harlan 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 Harlan: Drought preparedness
- Follow local water-use restrictions, which may be enacted during severe drought conditions.
- 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.
Local Factors for Harlan
These city-level factors differentiate Harlan from other communities in Shelby County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
6,382
Small TownGeographic Zone
Inland
Reduced coastal hazard exposure
Climate Band
Moderate Continental
Latitude 41.6°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Lower — moist climate limits wildfire frequency
Fire score: 3.1/10
Coordinates
41.6465° N, 95.2953° W
Shelby 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 Harlan
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in Harlan
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.