Natural Disaster Risk in Smithland
Iowa
Risk Summary for Smithland
Smithland scores 7.1/10 (High risk), above the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Tornado.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Scores
How it compares
Live Conditions
🏠 What this means for insurance
Above-average risk — check your policy limits
Standard homeowners insurance may not fully cover all hazards rated highly in this area. Verify that your policy includes adequate coverage for the top local hazards, and ask your insurer about specific endorsements or separate policies (e.g., flood, earthquake).
This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.
Natural Hazard Profile: Smithland, Iowa
Smithland is a small unincorporated community in Woodbury 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 Smithland.
FEMA rates Smithland's composite natural disaster risk at 7.1 out of 10 — high risk. The area faces significant tornado risk, positioned where atmospheric conditions regularly generate severe rotating thunderstorms capable of producing violent tornadoes. Residents should also account for hail and drought risk in their preparedness planning.
Smithland's risk score, considerably above the 5.4/10 state average and well above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Woodbury County, the highest-scoring are tornado, hail, and drought. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.
Smithland's high risk designation reflects meaningful exposure to natural hazards. Residents should verify that their insurance covers the area's primary risks, prepare a family emergency plan, and stay informed about seasonal hazard peaks through local weather and emergency management services.
What this means for Smithland: Tornado preparedness
- Identify the safest interior room on the lowest floor — away from windows — as your shelter.
- Enable Wireless Emergency Alerts on your phone and have a NOAA weather radio as a backup.
- Review whether your insurance covers wind and debris damage, and document belongings in advance.
Local Factors for Smithland
These city-level factors differentiate Smithland from other communities in Woodbury County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
346
RuralGeographic Zone
Inland
Reduced coastal hazard exposure
Climate Band
Cool Continental
Latitude 42.2°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Moderate — seasonal fire risk
Fire score: 8.9/10
Coordinates
42.2344° N, 95.9539° W
Woodbury 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 Smithland
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in Smithland
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.