Natural Disaster Risk in Worth County

Natural Hazard Profile: Worth County, Iowa

Worth County, in the United States in Iowa, is characterized by its humid continental climate — cold winters, hot summers, and frequent severe weather. The county faces a tornado-active spring season, and its FEMA risk assessment establishes the hazard baseline shared by all the towns and cities it contains.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Worth County carries an overall risk score of 3.8/10, placing it in the low category. Drought is the leading natural hazard, with multi-year dry periods capable of depleting water supplies, devastating agriculture, and increasing wildfire risk across the region. The area also faces notable exposure to tsunami and volcano.

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

Worth County carries a below-average natural disaster risk, reflecting fewer and less severe hazard exposures than typical U.S. communities. Even so, the area's primary risk — drought — warrants awareness and appropriate insurance coverage, as lower risk does not mean zero risk.