Photo: Tony Webster · CC BY 2.0Bloomfield’s building-damage rate from strong wind is in the top 2% of U.S. census tracts
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Bloomfield gets a B− for hazard risk: higher expected damage per building than 52% of U.S. towns, #90 of 140 in Iowa. Most of that expected damage is river and rain flooding (66%), then tornadoes (16%). 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 Bloomfield 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
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 Bloomfield’s grade
River and rain flooding is 66% of the building damage FEMA expects in Bloomfield, and Bloomfield’s rate of river and rain flooding damage is higher than 54% of U.S. census tracts. Tornadoes add 16%, at a rate in the top 7% of U.S. census tracts.
B− #90 of 140 in Iowa; higher expected damage per building than 52% of U.S. towns (21,298).
Bloomfield’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, Bloomfield has more expected damage per building than 64% of Iowa towns.
In dollars, FEMA expects about $3.3M a year in losses across Bloomfield: $1.1M to buildings, the rest to people and crops.
Does Bloomfield flood? No paid flood claims on record
FEMA’s records show no paid flood insurance claims in Bloomfield. That’s not a promise: most homes don’t carry flood insurance, so small floods go unrecorded.
5 federal disasters brought FEMA money to Bloomfield
Disasters that paid out in Bloomfield itself (aid to households or repair grants to the City of Bloomfield), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2015Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, and Flooding$19K to the City of Bloomfield for repairs
- 2010Severe Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes1 households applied for aid$3K aid approved$21K to the City of Bloomfield for repairs
- 2008Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding39 households applied for aid$132K aid approved$42K to the City of Bloomfield for repairs
- 2007Severe Winter Storm$23K to the City of Bloomfield for repairs
- 2004Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding1 households applied for aid$860 aid approved
Davis County has had 14 natural disasters declared by the President since 1953, most often severe storms, then floods. Not counted: the 2005 Hurricane Katrina evacuee emergency, which covered counties that took in evacuees.
Old photos of Bloomfield after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the Bloomfield archive →Get ready for what Bloomfield 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.
- 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 Bloomfield
Is Bloomfield at risk for natural disasters?
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Bloomfield has higher expected damage per building than 52% of U.S. towns: B− for hazard risk, #90 of 140 in Iowa. Most of the expected damage is river and rain flooding (66%) and tornadoes (16%). This is FEMA’s model of an average year for today’s buildings, not a forecast.
Is Bloomfield 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 Bloomfield?
FEMA’s Community Rating System list shows no discount for Bloomfield’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 Bloomfield?
By FEMA money that reached Bloomfield, Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding (2008): 39 households applied for aid, $132K approved, and $42K to the City of Bloomfield for repairs.
Is Bloomfield at risk from river and rain flooding?
It is the largest share of the building damage FEMA expects here (66%), and Bloomfield’s rate for it is higher than 54% of U.S. census tracts.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in Bloomfield.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where Bloomfield’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.