Dubuque, Iowa: natural disaster risk
How exposed Dubuque is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Dubuque County.
Dubuque is a city of 59,174 people in Dubuque County, Iowa. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Dubuque County relatively low for natural hazards overall, lower than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, tornado and cold wave, with about $41.7 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 707 storm reports in the county since 1955, including 33 tornadoes and 84 floods. About 0.2% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Dubuque County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Dubuque
Full Dubuque County report ›- Check the FEMA flood map for your address, and ask the seller or landlord about past flooding.
- Price a flood policy now. Most new federal policies take 30 days to start.
- Pick a shelter spot: a basement, or an inside room on the lowest floor with no windows.
- Turn on emergency alerts on your phone and keep a weather radio.
- Insulate pipes in outside walls, crawl spaces and garages.
- Know how to shut off the main water valve.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $19M | |
| Tornado | $9M | |
| Cold wave | $6M | |
| Hail | $3M | |
| Strong wind | $2M | |
| Heat wave | $1M | |
| Drought | $850K | |
| Winter weather | $254K | |
| Lightning | $236K | |
| Earthquake | $153K | |
| Ice storm | $142K | |
| Landslide | $67K |
Homes in Dubuque
Older homes and mobile homes usually take more damage in storms, floods and earthquakes. Ask about roof age, flood history and retrofits before you buy or rent.
Strongest tornadoes in Dubuque County
Common questions about Dubuque
Is Dubuque safe from natural disasters?
Dubuque is in Dubuque County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively low overall, lower than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, tornado, cold wave. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Dubuque?
By expected yearly losses in Dubuque County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Low), tornado (Moderate), cold wave (Moderate). Dubuque County has been part of 19 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Dubuque get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 33 tornadoes in Dubuque County since 1950; the strongest was an F4 tornado on March 13, 1990. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Dubuque?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Dubuque County, about 0.2% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk low. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.