Iowa City Disaster Risk Score & Hazard Analysis
With a population of 129,897 and a calculated risk score of 89.8, Iowa City faces unique challenges. This page is a complete hazard risk assessment for Iowa City, IA. Iowa City is a city with a rich history and bright future. But smart residents know to keep an eye on the forecast. We found that tornadoes rank among the highest local hazards.
Total Risk Score
The numbers don't lie. Iowa City sits at a Risk Score of 89.806. This is driven by a combination of factors, most notably Tornado and River Flooding.
Tornado risk in Iowa City, Iowa
Iowa City is susceptible to severe thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes. Weather patterns in this region can generate sudden rotational storms that give residents very little warning time compared to other hazards.
Iowa City Tornado Safety
- •Identify an interior room without windows on the lowest floor
- •Monitor NOAA weather radio during spring storm season
- •Clear yard of potential projectiles before storms arrive
Top Hazards for The Iowa City Area
Historically, the climate of Iowa dictates that historical precedents show that tornadoes are an ever-present reality. As a result, the aggregate danger score for this specific hazard stands at 98.4. A NOAA weather radio with battery backup is the most reliable way to receive alerts.
Across the diverse landscape of Iowa, river flooding preparedness is ingrained in the local community culture. Furthermore, the generated risk index of 98.0 is derived from granular local inputs. Protecting property involves elevating critical utilities above potential water lines.
When analyzing the risk profile of Iowa, Iowa City's geography makes it particularly susceptible to landslide risks. Crucially, we've weighted historical incidence rates to arrive at a localized risk verification of 93.6. Bolt-down foundations and braced water heaters are standard requirements for safety.
The Apartment Fortress
Living in Iowa City? Learn how to handle water storage, sanitation, and security in a small space.
How to Prepare in Iowa City
Read the Full Guide →Identify your safe room immediately. In Iowa City, severe storms can spin up quickly. You need a safe, windowless location and a way to receive alerts when the power grid fails.
Critical Action Checklist
- 1Avoid low-lying areas during heavy rain events.
- 2Secure outdoor furniture that could become projectiles.
- 3Keep a whistle in your kit to signal for help if trapped.
- 4Wear a helmet (bike or construction) to protect from debris.
- 5Have a weather radio with a battery backup to receive alerts.
Essential Gear for Iowa City
Water
Sawyer Products Mini Water Filtration System
Filters up to 100,000 gallons. Essential when tap water is compromised.
Power
Petzl Actik Core Headlamp
600 lumens and rechargeable. Hands-free lighting is critical during power outages.
Home
Gorilla Tape (Black)
Heavy-duty tape for emergency repairs, sealing windows, or medical improvisation.
The best insurance against Tornado is preparation. Check your kit and ensure you are ready.
View Complete Gear Checklist →Compare Nearby Cities
| City | Risk Score | Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| Des Moines | 87.5 | Des Moines and Iowa City share similar regional risks, but our data gives Des Moines the edge in overall safety. |
| Davenport | 73.4 | Choosing between Iowa City and Davenport? Iowa City presents a unique set of challenges. |
| Cedar Rapids | 88.2 | Choosing between Iowa City and Cedar Rapids? Iowa City presents a unique set of challenges. |
| Waterloo | 75.5 | When compared to Waterloo, Iowa City is slightly higher risk. The difference of 14.3 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
| Sioux City | 76.3 | Sioux City and Iowa City share similar regional risks, but our data gives Sioux City the edge in overall safety. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How common are Tornados in Iowa City?
With a risk score of 98.4 for Tornado, Iowa City is considered highly vulnerable. Residents should have a specific plan for Tornado events, which are the primary driver of the city's overall risk profile.
Is Iowa City safer than other cities in Iowa?
It varies by hazard. While Iowa City has its own risk profile (Total Score: 89.8), it is generally comparable to the average in Iowa. See our state rankings for a direct comparison.
Should I move to Iowa City given the risk of River Flooding?
Every city has risks. The threat of River Flooding (Score: 98.0) is manageable with proper preparation. The local infrastructure in Iowa City is designed to handle this, but personal insurance and a 'go-bag' are recommended.
How does Iowa City compare to other cities in Iowa?
See the full Iowa Disaster Rankings to see how Iowa City stacks up against other cities in the state.