Waterloo Community Mausoleum · Photo: Nyttend · Public domainFEMA expects less hazard damage per building in Waterloo than in 81% of U.S. towns, mostly from river and rain flooding
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Waterloo gets an A− for hazard risk: lower expected damage per building than 81% of U.S. towns. Most of that expected damage is river and rain flooding (68%), then tornadoes (17%). Flood insurance has paid 2 claims here since 1983.
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 Waterloo 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
Hail
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 Waterloo’s grade
River and rain flooding is 68% of the building damage FEMA expects in Waterloo, and Waterloo’s rate of river and rain flooding damage is lower than 72% of U.S. census tracts. Next is tornadoes at 17% (higher than 84% of U.S. census tracts).
A− lower expected damage per building than 81% of U.S. towns (21,298).
Waterloo’s residents live in 2 census tracts; FEMA’s figures are combined by where they live.
In dollars, FEMA expects about $613K a year in losses across Waterloo: $442K to buildings, the rest to people and crops.
Does Waterloo flood? Rarely: 2 flood claims since 1983
Every paid claim on a federal flood insurance policy in Waterloo, from FEMA’s records: 2.3 per 1,000 homes, fewer than 58% of the 13,809 U.S. towns with a flood insurance record.
Waterloo isn’t in FEMA’s Community Rating System, which cuts flood insurance up to 45% in towns that do extra flood-proofing.
Insurance rates: DeKalb County.3 federal disasters brought FEMA money to Waterloo
Disasters that paid out in Waterloo itself (aid to households or repair grants to the Town of Waterloo), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2009Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding2 households applied for aid$8K aid approved1 flood claim paid that year
- 2000Snow$1K to the Town of Waterloo for repairs
- 1999In-winter Storm 12/23/98$3K to the Town of Waterloo for repairs
DeKalb County has had 12 natural disasters declared by the President since 1953, most often severe storms, then winter storms. Not counted: the 2005 Hurricane Katrina evacuee emergency, which covered counties that took in evacuees.
Old photos of Waterloo after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the Waterloo archive →Get ready for what Waterloo 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.
- 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.
- 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 Waterloo
Is Waterloo at risk for natural disasters?
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Waterloo has lower expected damage per building than 81% of U.S. towns: A− for hazard risk. Most of the expected damage is river and rain flooding (68%) and tornadoes (17%). This is FEMA’s model of an average year for today’s buildings, not a forecast.
Does Waterloo flood?
Flood insurance has paid 2 claims in Waterloo since 1983, $55K in all, or 2.3 per 1,000 homes, fewer than 58% of U.S. towns with a flood insurance record.
Is Waterloo 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 DeKalb County, 16% of homes in mapped flood zones carry federal flood insurance, and 0.3% of all homes do.
How much is flood insurance in Waterloo?
FEMA’s Community Rating System list shows no discount for Waterloo’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 Waterloo?
By FEMA money that reached Waterloo, Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding (2009): 2 households applied for aid, $8K approved.
Is Waterloo at risk from river and rain flooding?
It is the largest share of the building damage FEMA expects here (68%), and Waterloo’s rate for it is lower than 72% of U.S. census tracts.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in Waterloo.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where Waterloo’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.