Marshalltown, Iowa: natural disaster risk
How exposed Marshalltown is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Marshall County.
Marshalltown is a city of 27,626 people in Marshall County, Iowa. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Marshall County relatively low for natural hazards overall, lower than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, tornado and drought, with about $22.7 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 509 storm reports in the county since 1951, including 38 tornadoes and 57 floods. About 0.1% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Marshall County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Marshalltown
Full Marshall 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.
- Check local water restrictions.
- Choose drought-tolerant plants.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $10M | |
| Tornado | $4M | |
| Drought | $4M | |
| Strong wind | $2M | |
| Hail | $926K | |
| Cold wave | $685K | |
| Winter weather | $268K | |
| Wildfire | $97K | |
| Lightning | $93K | |
| Ice storm | $84K | |
| Earthquake | $57K | |
| Heat wave | $18K |
Homes in Marshalltown
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 Marshall County
Common questions about Marshalltown
Is Marshalltown safe from natural disasters?
Marshalltown is in Marshall County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively low overall, lower than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, tornado, drought. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Marshalltown?
By expected yearly losses in Marshall County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Low), tornado (Moderate), drought (High). Marshall County has been part of 18 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Marshalltown get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 38 tornadoes in Marshall County since 1950; the strongest was an F4 tornado on May 24, 1989. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Marshalltown?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Marshall County, about 0.1% 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.