Photo: David Wilson · CC BY 2.0For strong wind, Albia’s building-damage rate is in the top 2% of U.S. census tracts
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Albia gets a B for hazard risk: lower expected damage per building than 56% of U.S. towns, #74 of 140 in Iowa. Most of that expected damage is river and rain flooding (66%), then tornadoes (13%). FEMA’s files show no paid flood insurance claims here.
Graded on FEMA’s expected yearly building damage per dollar of building value (NRI v1.20, December 2025), weighted by where residents live; flood claims are shown, not graded. How hazard risk is graded
What Albia faces
Each hazard’s share of the building damage FEMA expects here, and how its rate compares with the rest of the country.
River and rain flooding
Tornadoes
Strong wind
Hail
Shares are of FEMA’s expected building damage, the measure the grade uses; ranks compare each hazard’s building-damage rate with all 85,154 U.S. census tracts. In FEMA’s terms, river and rain flooding is FEMA’s “Inland Flooding” (rivers and streams overflowing their banks, or rain overwhelming drainage). FEMA defines coastal flooding as high or rising tides and storm surge, so surge damage is counted there. Drought isn’t listed: FEMA counts its losses in crops only.
What’s behind Albia’s grade
River and rain flooding is 66% of the building damage FEMA expects in Albia, and Albia’s rate of river and rain flooding damage is lower than 53% of U.S. census tracts. Strong wind adds 12%, at a rate in the top 2% of U.S. census tracts.
B #74 of 140 in Iowa; lower expected damage per building than 56% of U.S. towns (21,298).
Albia’s residents live in 2 census tracts; FEMA’s figures are combined by where they live.
The typical Iowa town has lower expected damage than 57% of U.S. towns; within the state, Albia has more expected damage per building than 53% of Iowa towns.
In dollars, FEMA expects about $2.7M a year in losses across Albia: $927K to buildings, the rest to people and crops.
Does Albia flood? No paid flood claims on record
FEMA’s records show no paid flood insurance claims in Albia. That’s not a promise: most homes don’t carry flood insurance, so small floods go unrecorded.
5 federal disasters brought FEMA money to Albia
Disasters that paid out in Albia itself (aid to households or repair grants to the City of Albia), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2015Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, and Flooding$44K to the City of Albia for repairs
- 2010Severe Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes68 households applied for aid$103K aid approved$53K to the City of Albia for repairs
- 2008Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding31 households applied for aid$25K aid approved
- 2007Severe Winter Storm$113K to the City of Albia for repairs
- 2004Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding2 households applied for aid$2K aid approved
Monroe County has had 13 natural disasters declared by the President since 1953, most often floods, then severe storms. Not counted: the 2005 Hurricane Katrina evacuee emergency, which covered counties that took in evacuees.
Old photos of Albia after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the Albia archive →Get ready for what Albia faces
A short kit for the hazards that drive the building damage here, what to check before you buy, and where neighbors get alerts.
- Turn around at flooded roads: a foot of moving water can carry off a car.
- Flood insurance usually takes 30 days to start, so buy it before the forecast.
- Keep papers and medicines up high, in a grab-and-go bag.
- Pick your spot now: the lowest floor, an inside room, no windows.
- A watch means be ready; a warning means take cover now.
- Keep shoes and a flashlight by the bed.
- Trim dead limbs over the house and driveway.
- Tie down trash cans and outdoor furniture.
- Stay clear of downed lines and call the utility.
- Park in a garage or under cover when storms are forecast.
- Stay away from windows while it falls.
- Photograph roof and car damage for your insurer.
- Look up the address on FEMA’s flood map.
- Ask the seller or landlord whether it has ever flooded, and what flood insurance costs there.
- Get a flood insurance quote early: policies usually start 30 days after you buy.
Know where neighbors sign up for alerts? Add it to the Handbook so everyone has it.
Questions about natural hazards in Albia
Is Albia at risk for natural disasters?
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Albia has lower expected damage per building than 56% of U.S. towns: B for hazard risk, #74 of 140 in Iowa. Most of the expected damage is river and rain flooding (66%) and tornadoes (13%). This is FEMA’s model of an average year for today’s buildings, not a forecast.
Is Albia in a flood zone?
Flood zones are drawn street by street, so the answer depends on the address: look it up on FEMA’s flood map.
How much is flood insurance in Albia?
FEMA’s Community Rating System list shows no discount for Albia’s flood program. Premiums depend on the building; policies usually start 30 days after you buy, so get a quote early.
What was the biggest storm in Albia?
By FEMA money that reached Albia, Severe Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes (2010): 68 households applied for aid, $103K approved, and $53K to the City of Albia for repairs.
Is Albia at risk from river and rain flooding?
It is the largest share of the building damage FEMA expects here (66%), and Albia’s rate for it is lower than 53% of U.S. census tracts.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in Albia.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where Albia’s residents lived in the 2020 census; OpenFEMA: NFIP redacted claims, multiple-loss properties, community status book and residential penetration rates, housing assistance (owners and renters), public assistance funded projects, hazard mitigation properties and disaster declarations. Homes: Census ACS 2020–24. Preparedness tips: Ready.gov. FEMA’s model is an average of expected damage, not a forecast. How hazard risk is graded.