Natural Disaster Risk — ZIP Code 51638
Essex, Iowa
Risk Summary for ZIP 51638
ZIP 51638 scores 5.6/10 (Moderate risk), above the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Extreme Heat.
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 51638, Iowa
ZIP 51638 in Essex sits in the interior eastern United States. Its humid continental climate produces cold winters, hot summers, and frequent severe weather, and notably a tornado-active spring season. These conditions define the natural disaster environment for households across this ZIP code.
According to FEMA's National Risk Index, ZIP 51638 carries an overall risk score of 5.6/10, placing it in the moderate category. Extreme heat is the top natural hazard concern, with summer temperatures regularly reaching dangerous thresholds that pose serious health risks, particularly for elderly and outdoor workers. The area also faces notable exposure to drought and hail.
Within Iowa, ZIP 51638'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 Iowa identifies heat as the foremost hazard, followed by drought and hail. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.
With a moderate risk rating, ZIP 51638 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 heat is recommended.
What this means for ZIP 51638: Extreme Heat preparedness
- Stay hydrated and limit outdoor activity during the hottest hours when heat advisories are issued.
- Ensure reliable air conditioning and identify nearby cooling centers for extreme heat days.
- Check on elderly neighbors and never leave children or pets in parked vehicles.
Risk for the surrounding area
Local Factors for ZIP 51638
These city-level factors differentiate ZIP 51638 from other communities in Iowa County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
1,258
Small TownGeographic Zone
Inland
Reduced coastal hazard exposure
Climate Band
Moderate Continental
Latitude 40.8°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Lower — moist climate limits wildfire frequency
Fire score: 4.3/10
Coordinates
40.8392° N, 95.2666° 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 51638
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.