Out of 16 counties with PHMSA gas distribution data, these are the counties with the highest incident risk.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Counties ranked | 16 |
| Total incidents (top 100) | 16 |
| Total fatalities (top 100) | 0 |
Top 16 Counties
| Rank | County | State | Incidents | Fatalities | Latest Year | Risk Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Polk | Iowa | 3 | 0 | 2023 | 2/100 |
| 2 | Dubuque | Iowa | 2 | 0 | 2021 | 2/100 |
| 3 | Henry | Iowa | 2 | 0 | 2009 | 2/100 |
| 4 | Appanoose | Iowa | 1 | 0 | 2010 | 7/100 |
| 5 | Montgomery | Iowa | 1 | 0 | 2004 | 3/100 |
| 6 | Delaware | Iowa | 1 | 0 | 2021 | 2/100 |
| 7 | Des Moines | Iowa | 1 | 0 | 2019 | 2/100 |
| 8 | Dallas | Iowa | 1 | 0 | 2012 | 1/100 |
| 9 | Jasper | Iowa | 1 | 0 | 2008 | 1/100 |
| 10 | Butler | Iowa | 1 | 0 | 2008 | 1/100 |
| 11 | Woodbury | Iowa | 1 | 0 | 2010 | 1/100 |
| 12 | Monona | Iowa | 1 | 0 | 2022 | 1/100 |
| 13 | Wapello | Iowa | 0 | 0 | — | 7/100 |
| 14 | Webster | Iowa | 0 | 0 | — | 2/100 |
| 15 | Buchanan | Iowa | 0 | 0 | — | 2/100 |
| 16 | Clayton | Iowa | 0 | 0 | — | 2/100 |
Methodology
County rankings for Iowa based on total PHMSA gas distribution incidents reported since 2004.
Data source: U.S. DOT Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), Gas Distribution System Incident Reports 2004-2026. Last updated: 2026-06-04.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a gas distribution incident?
Gas distribution incidents involve failures in the local natural gas pipeline network — leaks, ruptures, explosions, and equipment failures that can cause property damage, injuries, and fatalities. PHMSA requires all operators to report significant incidents.
How can I protect my home?
Install CO detectors on every level (CPSC recommendation). Have gas appliances inspected annually. Know the signs of a gas leak: rotten egg smell, hissing near gas lines, dead vegetation near pipelines. If you suspect a leak, leave immediately and call 911.