Natural Disaster Risk in Zwingle

Natural Hazard Profile: Zwingle, Iowa

Zwingle is a small community of about 995 in Jackson 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 Zwingle.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Zwingle carries an overall risk score of 5.5/10, placing it in the moderate category. Slope instability and debris flows are the primary natural hazard, driven by a combination of local geology, precipitation intensity, and terrain that creates susceptibility to failure. The area also faces notable exposure to hail and drought.

Zwingle'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 Jackson County, the highest-scoring are landslide, hail, and drought. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

With a moderate risk rating, Zwingle 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.