Mason City, Iowa: natural disaster risk
How exposed Mason City is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Cerro Gordo County.
Mason City is a city of 27,050 people in Cerro Gordo County, Iowa. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Cerro Gordo 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 $27.4 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 591 storm reports in the county since 1953, including 39 tornadoes and 59 floods. About 0.4% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Cerro Gordo County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Mason City
Full Cerro Gordo 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 | $12M | |
| Tornado | $7M | |
| Drought | $4M | |
| Cold wave | $3M | |
| Strong wind | $942K | |
| Hail | $697K | |
| Winter weather | $343K | |
| Lightning | $70K | |
| Heat wave | $59K | |
| Ice storm | $57K | |
| Earthquake | $40K | |
| Wildfire | $11K |
Homes in Mason City
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 Cerro Gordo County
Common questions about Mason City
Is Mason City safe from natural disasters?
Mason City is in Cerro Gordo 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 Mason City?
By expected yearly losses in Cerro Gordo County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Low), tornado (Moderate), drought (High). Cerro Gordo County has been part of 13 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Mason City get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 39 tornadoes in Cerro Gordo County since 1950; the strongest was an F4 tornado on May 10, 1953. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Mason City?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Cerro Gordo County, about 0.4% 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.