Cedar Rapids Disaster Risk Score & Hazard Analysis
With a population of 192,755 and a calculated risk score of 88.2, Cedar Rapids faces unique challenges. This page is a complete hazard risk assessment for Cedar Rapids, IA. Life in Cedar Rapids comes with its own set of rewards. However, FEMA data points to some underlying risks. Your emergency plan should definitely account for river flooding.
Total Risk Score
With a calculated Risk Score of 88.233, Cedar Rapids requires specific preparation. The data highlights River Flooding as the most critical threat to mitigate.
Top Hazards for The Cedar Rapids Area
In terms of regional hazard exposure in Iowa, the proximity to specific terrain features amplifies the river flooding risk. It is important to note that this value of 99.1 serves as a benchmark for local insurance and safety planning. Updates to flood maps suggest this risk vector is increasing for many neighborhoods.
As population density grows in Iowa, future climate projections suggest an uptick in tornado severity. However, our modeling, based on FEMA and NOAA datasets, assigns a score of 95.6/100. Power outages often accompany these events, making backup power (like batteries) essential.
Historically, the climate of Iowa dictates that historical precedents show that lightning are an ever-present reality. As a result, the aggregate danger score for this specific hazard stands at 91.6. A NOAA weather radio with battery backup is the most reliable way to receive alerts.
The Apartment Fortress
Living in Cedar Rapids? Learn how to handle water storage, sanitation, and security in a small space.
How to Prepare in Cedar Rapids
Read the Full Guide →General preparedness is critical for Cedar Rapids. While specific risks vary, the fundamentals of survival—water, food, and information—remain the same.
Critical Action Checklist
- 1Keep a physical map of the local area in case GPS fails.
- 2Maintain a 3-day supply of non-perishable food and water.
- 3Have a first aid kit and a supply of prescription medications.
- 4Keep a battery-powered radio to stay informed during power outages.
- 5Establish a family communication plan for when cell towers are down.
Essential Gear for Cedar Rapids
Water
Sawyer Products Mini Water Filtration System
Filters up to 100,000 gallons. Essential when tap water is compromised.
Power
Anker PowerCore 10K
Pocket-sized power to keep your phone alive for emergency calls.
Power
Petzl Actik Core Headlamp
600 lumens and rechargeable. Hands-free lighting is critical during power outages.
Do not wait for a River Flooding warning to start packing. Secure your essential gear today.
View Complete Gear Checklist →Compare Nearby Cities
| City | Risk Score | Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| Des Moines | 87.5 | Choosing between Cedar Rapids and Des Moines? Cedar Rapids presents a unique set of challenges. |
| Davenport | 73.4 | When compared to Davenport, Cedar Rapids is slightly higher risk. The difference of 14.8 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
| Iowa City | 89.8 | When compared to Iowa City, Cedar Rapids is statistically safer. The difference of 1.6 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
| Waterloo | 75.5 | Waterloo and Cedar Rapids share similar regional risks, but our data gives Waterloo the edge in overall safety. |
| Sioux City | 76.3 | Choosing between Cedar Rapids and Sioux City? Cedar Rapids presents a unique set of challenges. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How common are River Floodings in Cedar Rapids?
With a risk score of 99.1 for River Flooding, Cedar Rapids is considered highly vulnerable. Residents should have a specific plan for River Flooding events, which are the primary driver of the city's overall risk profile.
Is Cedar Rapids safer than other cities in Iowa?
It varies by hazard. While Cedar Rapids has its own risk profile (Total Score: 88.2), it is generally comparable to the average in Iowa. See our state rankings for a direct comparison.
Should I move to Cedar Rapids given the risk of Tornado?
Every city has risks. The threat of Tornado (Score: 95.6) is manageable with proper preparation. The local infrastructure in Cedar Rapids is designed to handle this, but personal insurance and a 'go-bag' are recommended.
How does Cedar Rapids compare to other cities in Iowa?
See the full Iowa Disaster Rankings to see how Cedar Rapids stacks up against other cities in the state.