Tucson, Arizona: natural disaster risk
How exposed Tucson is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Pima County.
Tucson is a city of 547,073 people in Pima County, Arizona. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Pima County relatively high for natural hazards overall, higher than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, heat wave and wildfire, with about $531 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 1,739 storm reports in the county since 1954, including 30 tornadoes and 590 floods. About 0.7% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Pima County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Tucson
Full Pima County report ›- Check the FEMA flood map for your address, and ask the seller or landlord about past flooding.
- Price a flood policy now. Most new federal policies take 30 days to start.
- Check that cooling works before summer.
- Know where the nearest cooling center is.
- Clear dry plants and debris within 5 feet of the house.
- Get home insurance quotes early; availability varies by area.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $347M | |
| Heat wave | $133M | |
| Wildfire | $38M | |
| Earthquake | $6M | |
| Lightning | $3M | |
| Hail | $2M | |
| Strong wind | $1M | |
| Tornado | $688K | |
| Drought | $459K | |
| Winter weather | $200K | |
| Hurricane | $5K | |
| Landslide | $2K |
Homes in Tucson
Older homes and mobile homes usually take more damage in storms, floods and earthquakes. Ask about roof age, flood history and retrofits before you buy or rent.
Strongest tornadoes in Pima County
More cities in Pima County
Common questions about Tucson
Is Tucson safe from natural disasters?
Tucson is in Pima County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively high overall, higher than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, heat wave, wildfire. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Tucson?
By expected yearly losses in Pima County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Very High), heat wave (Very High), wildfire (High). Pima County has been part of 13 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Tucson get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 30 tornadoes in Pima County since 1950; the strongest was an F2 tornado on August 27, 1964. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county low.
Do I need flood insurance in Tucson?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Pima County, about 0.7% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk very high. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.