Marion, Iowa: natural disaster risk
How exposed Marion is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Linn County.
Marion is a city of 41,896 people in Linn County, Iowa. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Linn County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, tornado and strong wind, with about $79.1 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 1,164 storm reports in the county since 1953, including 65 tornadoes and 81 floods. About 0.7% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Linn County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Marion
Full Linn 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.
- Secure outdoor furniture and trash bins before storms.
- Have trees near the house checked.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $36M | |
| Tornado | $16M | |
| Strong wind | $8M | |
| Hail | $7M | |
| Cold wave | $6M | |
| Drought | $2M | |
| Lightning | $1M | |
| Heat wave | $1M | |
| Ice storm | $805K | |
| Winter weather | $787K | |
| Earthquake | $498K | |
| Wildfire | $49K |
Homes in Marion
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 Linn County
More cities in Linn County
Common questions about Marion
Is Marion safe from natural disasters?
Marion is in Linn County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, tornado, strong wind. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Marion?
By expected yearly losses in Linn County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), tornado (High), strong wind (Very High). Linn County has been part of 21 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Marion get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 65 tornadoes in Linn County since 1950; the strongest was an F4 tornado on March 13, 1990. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Marion?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Linn County, about 0.7% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk moderate. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.