Natural Disaster Risk — ZIP Code 51442
Denison, Iowa
Risk Summary for ZIP 51442
ZIP 51442 scores 5.8/10 (Moderate risk), above 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: ZIP 51442, Iowa
Located in the interior eastern United States, ZIP 51442 serves the Denison community. The humid continental climate of this part of Iowa — bringing cold winters, hot summers, and frequent severe weather — directly shapes the hazard exposure for properties in this postal area.
ZIP 51442's overall natural disaster risk is rated 5.8/10 (Moderate) by FEMA's National Risk Index. Prolonged drought is the primary hazard risk, shaped by low annual rainfall, high evaporation rates, and increasing temperature trends that deepen and lengthen dry periods. Secondary hazards include tornado and landslide.
Relative to other U.S. communities, ZIP 51442's natural disaster risk is above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10, near the 5.4/10 state average. The hazard distribution here is led by drought and tornado, as measured by FEMA across Iowa. While city-specific sub-county variation exists, these scores represent the best available federal risk estimate.
ZIP 51442's moderate risk profile means that while catastrophic events are less frequent, they do occur. Standard homeowners insurance typically covers many common hazards here, but confirming that drought exposure is adequately protected is a worthwhile step for property owners.
What this means for ZIP 51442: Drought preparedness
- Be aware that prolonged drought raises secondary risks including wildfire and foundation soil movement.
- 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.
Risk for the surrounding area
Local Factors for ZIP 51442
These city-level factors differentiate ZIP 51442 from other communities in Iowa County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
9,692
Small TownGeographic Zone
Inland
Reduced coastal hazard exposure
Climate Band
Cool Continental
Latitude 42.0°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Moderate — seasonal fire risk
Fire score: 5.3/10
Coordinates
42.0270° N, 95.3591° W
Population and coordinates from SimpleMaps US Cities data. Hazard scores from FEMA National Risk Index. Geographic classification derived from coordinates.
Recent Climate Data for ZIP 51442
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
Nearby ZIP codes
Other cities in Iowa
Data source: FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). County-level data applied to ZIP codes within each county. Scores are normalized to 1–10 across all US counties. This information is for general awareness only — consult official emergency management resources and a licensed insurer for property-specific advice.