Liberty Hall · Photo: Jim Roberts · CC BY-SA 4.0For tornadoes, Lamoni’s building-damage rate is in the top 3% of U.S. census tracts
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Lamoni gets a B for hazard risk: lower expected damage per building than 61% of U.S. towns. Most of that expected damage is river and rain flooding (62%), then tornadoes (22%). Flood insurance has paid 7 claims here since 1980.
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 stands out about Lamoni’s natural hazards
From FEMA’s model and FEMA’s records, below.
What Lamoni 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 Lamoni’s grade
River and rain flooding is 62% of the building damage FEMA expects in Lamoni, and Lamoni’s rate of river and rain flooding damage is lower than 61% of U.S. census tracts. Tornadoes add 22%, at a rate in the top 3% of U.S. census tracts.
B lower expected damage per building than 61% of U.S. towns (21,298).
All of Lamoni’s residents live in one census tract; the figures are that tract’s.
In dollars, FEMA expects about $1.8M a year in losses across Lamoni: $562K to buildings, the rest to people and crops.
Does Lamoni flood? Rarely: 7 flood claims since 1980
Every paid claim on a federal flood insurance policy in Lamoni, from FEMA’s records: 8.0 per 1,000 homes, more than 70% of the 13,809 U.S. towns with a flood insurance record.
- The Midwest Flooding1 claim · $6K
5 federal disasters brought FEMA money to Lamoni
Disasters that paid out in Lamoni itself (aid to households or repair grants to the City of Lamoni), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2014Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, and Flooding$32K to the City of Lamoni for repairs
- 2010Severe Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes21 households applied for aid$25K aid approved$23K to the City of Lamoni for repairs1 flood claim paid that year
- 2008Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding61 households applied for aid$146K aid approved$7K to the City of Lamoni for repairs1 flood claim paid that year
- 2007Severe Winter Storm$67K to the City of Lamoni for repairs
- 2007Severe Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes$7K to the City of Lamoni for repairs
Decatur County has had 11 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 Lamoni after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the Lamoni archive →Get ready for what Lamoni 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 Lamoni
Is Lamoni at risk for natural disasters?
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Lamoni has lower expected damage per building than 61% of U.S. towns: B for hazard risk. Most of the expected damage is river and rain flooding (62%) and tornadoes (22%). The figures are for the one census tract the town shares with its neighbors. This is FEMA’s model of an average year for today’s buildings, not a forecast.
Does Lamoni flood?
Flood insurance has paid 7 claims in Lamoni since 1980, $24K in all, or 8.0 per 1,000 homes, more than 70% of U.S. towns with a flood insurance record. 1 properties have flooded more than once. The most claims came from Midwest Flooding (1).
Is Lamoni 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 Lamoni?
FEMA’s Community Rating System list shows no discount for Lamoni’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 Lamoni?
By FEMA money that reached Lamoni, Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding (2008): 61 households applied for aid, $146K approved, and $7K to the City of Lamoni for repairs. By flood claims, Midwest Flooding: 1 paid, $6K.
Is Lamoni at risk from river and rain flooding?
It is the largest share of the building damage FEMA expects here (62%), and Lamoni’s rate for it is lower than 61% of U.S. census tracts.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in Lamoni.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where Lamoni’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.