Photo: Mitchazenia · CC BY-SA 4.0Storms, floods and disasters in Keithsburg
Keithsburg isn’t graded for hazard risk: Keithsburg has 490 residents; we grade towns of 1,000 or more. Flood insurance has paid 41 claims here since 1993.
What Keithsburg 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
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.
Does Keithsburg flood? Sometimes: 41 flood claims since 1993
Every paid claim on a federal flood insurance policy in Keithsburg, from FEMA’s records.
- The Midwest Flooding19 claims · $404K
Keithsburg isn’t in FEMA’s Community Rating System, which cuts flood insurance up to 45% in towns that do extra flood-proofing.
Insurance rates: Mercer County.5 federal disasters brought FEMA money to Keithsburg
Disasters that paid out in Keithsburg itself (aid to households or repair grants to the City of Keithsburg), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2019Severe Storms and Flooding$97K to the City of Keithsburg for repairs
- 2013Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, and Flooding$13K to the City of Keithsburg for repairs
- 2011Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm$2K to the City of Keithsburg for repairs
- 2008Severe Storms and Flooding98 households applied for aid$492K aid approved$149K to the City of Keithsburg for repairs17 flood claims paid that year
- 2001Flooding$124K to the City of Keithsburg for repairs1 flood claim paid that year
Mercer County has had 12 natural disasters declared by the President since 1953, most often floods, then winter storms. Not counted: the 2005 Hurricane Katrina evacuee emergency, which covered counties that took in evacuees.
Old photos of Keithsburg after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the Keithsburg archive →Keithsburg and its neighbors
How expected damage per building compares across the town line. Tap a town to see its hazards.
| Town | Hazard risk | Mostly (buildings) | Flood claims |
|---|---|---|---|
| Keithsburg Township | — | 490 residents; we grade 1,000+ | |
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 Keithsburg 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.
- 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 Keithsburg
Does Keithsburg flood?
Flood insurance has paid 41 claims in Keithsburg since 1993, $997K in all. 3 properties have flooded more than once. The most claims came from Midwest Flooding (19).
Is Keithsburg 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 Mercer County, 13% of homes in mapped flood zones carry federal flood insurance, and 0.2% of all homes do.
How much is flood insurance in Keithsburg?
FEMA’s Community Rating System list shows no discount for Keithsburg’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 Keithsburg?
By FEMA money that reached Keithsburg, Severe Storms and Flooding (2008): 98 households applied for aid, $492K approved, and $149K to the City of Keithsburg for repairs. By flood claims, Midwest Flooding: 19 paid, $404K.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in Keithsburg.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where Keithsburg’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.