Photo: Cutfromthetop · CC BY-SA 4.0More hazard damage per building is expected in North Liberty than in 74% of U.S. towns, led by river and rain flooding
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, North Liberty gets a C for hazard risk: higher expected damage per building than 74% of U.S. towns, #123 of 140 in Iowa. Most of that expected damage is river and rain flooding (42%), then tornadoes (39%). Flood insurance has paid 2 claims here since 2008.
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 North Liberty 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 North Liberty’s grade
River and rain flooding is 42% of the building damage FEMA expects in North Liberty, and North Liberty’s rate of river and rain flooding damage is lower than 56% of U.S. census tracts. Tornadoes add 39%, at a rate in the top 1% of U.S. census tracts.
C #123 of 140 in Iowa; higher expected damage per building than 74% of U.S. towns (21,298).
North Liberty’s residents live in 7 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, North Liberty has more expected damage per building than 88% of Iowa towns.
In dollars, FEMA expects about $11.3M a year in losses across North Liberty: $6.5M to buildings, the rest to people and crops.
Does North Liberty flood? Rarely: 2 flood claims since 2008
Every paid claim on a federal flood insurance policy in North Liberty, from FEMA’s records: 0.2 per 1,000 homes, fewer than 97% of the 13,809 U.S. towns with a flood insurance record.
North Liberty isn’t in FEMA’s Community Rating System, which cuts flood insurance up to 45% in towns that do extra flood-proofing.
Insurance rates: Johnson County.6 federal disasters brought FEMA money to North Liberty
Disasters that paid out in North Liberty itself (aid to households or repair grants to the City of North Liberty), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2020Severe Storms$154K to the City of North Liberty for repairs
- 2014Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, and Flooding$16K to the City of North Liberty for repairs
- 2013Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, and Flooding$67K to the City of North Liberty for repairs
- 2008Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding19 households applied for aid$9K aid approved$12K to the City of North Liberty for repairs1 flood claim paid that year
- 2007Severe Winter Storm$14K to the City of North Liberty for repairs
- 2007Severe Winter Storms$25K to the City of North Liberty for repairs
Johnson County has had 21 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 North Liberty after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the North Liberty archive →North Liberty and its neighbors
North Liberty has the lowest expected damage per building of the 2 graded towns here. Tap a town to see its hazards.
| Town | Hazard risk | Mostly (buildings) | Flood claims |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Liberty | Cmore damage than 74% | river and rain flooding | 2 |
| Coralville | C−more damage than 78% | river and rain flooding | 99 |
Hazard risk = FEMA’s expected yearly building damage per dollar of building value, vs. the 21,298 U.S. towns we grade; the map is shaded by fifths of the same scale. Flood claims = paid federal flood insurance claims on record.
Get ready for what North Liberty 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 North Liberty
Is North Liberty at risk for natural disasters?
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, North Liberty has higher expected damage per building than 74% of U.S. towns: C for hazard risk, #123 of 140 in Iowa. Most of the expected damage is river and rain flooding (42%) and tornadoes (39%). This is FEMA’s model of an average year for today’s buildings, not a forecast.
Does North Liberty flood?
Flood insurance has paid 2 claims in North Liberty since 2008, $11K in all, or 0.2 per 1,000 homes, fewer than 97% of U.S. towns with a flood insurance record. 1 properties have flooded more than once.
Is North Liberty 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. In Johnson County, 10% of homes in mapped flood zones carry federal flood insurance, and 0.7% of all homes do.
How much is flood insurance in North Liberty?
FEMA’s Community Rating System list shows no discount for North Liberty’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 North Liberty?
By FEMA money that reached North Liberty, Severe Storms (2020): $154K to the City of North Liberty for repairs.
Is North Liberty at risk from river and rain flooding?
It is the largest share of the building damage FEMA expects here (42%), and North Liberty’s rate for it is lower than 56% of U.S. census tracts.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in North Liberty.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where North Liberty’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.