Natural Disaster Risk in Maquoketa

Natural Hazard Profile: Maquoketa, Iowa

Maquoketa, in Jackson County, is a town of roughly 8,007 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 Maquoketa residents and property owners must navigate.

Maquoketa's overall natural disaster risk is rated 5.5/10 (Moderate) by FEMA's National Risk Index. The area faces significant landslide risk, where mountainous topography and saturated soils during wet periods combine to create hazardous mass movement conditions. Secondary hazards include hail and drought.

Within Iowa, Maquoketa's risk is, near the 5.4/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of Jackson County identifies landslide as the foremost hazard, followed by hail and drought. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.

With a moderate risk rating, Maquoketa 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 landslide is recommended.