Photo: Jason McLaren · CC BY-SA 4.0FEMA expects less hazard damage per building in Osceola than in 70% of U.S. towns, mostly from river and rain flooding
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Osceola gets a B+ for hazard risk: lower expected damage per building than 70% of U.S. towns, #40 of 140 in Iowa. Most of that expected damage is river and rain flooding (55%), then tornadoes (27%). 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 stands out about Osceola’s natural hazards
From FEMA’s model and FEMA’s records, below.
What Osceola 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 Osceola’s grade
River and rain flooding is 55% of the building damage FEMA expects in Osceola, and Osceola’s rate of river and rain flooding damage is lower than 77% of U.S. census tracts. Tornadoes add 27%, at a rate in the top 2% of U.S. census tracts.
B+ #40 of 140 in Iowa; lower expected damage per building than 70% of U.S. towns (21,298).
Osceola’s residents live in 3 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, Osceola has less expected damage per building than 72% of Iowa towns.
In dollars, FEMA expects about $3.3M a year in losses across Osceola: $1.2M to buildings, the rest to people and crops.
Does Osceola flood? No paid flood claims on record
FEMA’s records show no paid flood insurance claims in Osceola. That’s not a promise: most homes don’t carry flood insurance, so small floods go unrecorded.
4 federal disasters brought FEMA money to Osceola
Disasters that paid out in Osceola itself (aid to households or repair grants to the City of Osceola), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2024Severe Storms and Tornadoes22 households applied for aid$28K aid approved
- 2008Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding32 households applied for aid$99K aid approved$104K to the City of Osceola for repairs
- 2007Severe Winter Storm$49K to the City of Osceola for repairs
- 2007Severe Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes$20K to the City of Osceola for repairs
Clarke 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 Osceola after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the Osceola archive →Get ready for what Osceola 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 Osceola
Is Osceola at risk for natural disasters?
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Osceola has lower expected damage per building than 70% of U.S. towns: B+ for hazard risk, #40 of 140 in Iowa. Most of the expected damage is river and rain flooding (55%) and tornadoes (27%). This is FEMA’s model of an average year for today’s buildings, not a forecast.
Is Osceola 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 Osceola?
FEMA’s Community Rating System list shows no discount for Osceola’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 Osceola?
By FEMA money that reached Osceola, Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding (2008): 32 households applied for aid, $99K approved, and $104K to the City of Osceola for repairs.
Is Osceola at risk from river and rain flooding?
It is the largest share of the building damage FEMA expects here (55%), and Osceola’s rate for it is lower than 77% of U.S. census tracts.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in Osceola.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where Osceola’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.