Highlands Ranch, Colorado: natural disaster risk
How exposed Highlands Ranch is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Douglas County.
Highlands Ranch is a community of 102,257 people in Douglas County, Colorado. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Douglas County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, wildfire and tornado, with about $114 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 632 storm reports in the county since 1953, including 64 tornadoes and 45 floods. About 0.3% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Douglas County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Highlands Ranch
Full Douglas 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.
- Clear dry plants and debris within 5 feet of the house.
- Get home insurance quotes early; availability varies by area.
- Pick a shelter spot: a basement, or an inside room on the lowest floor with no windows.
- Turn on emergency alerts on your phone and keep a weather radio.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $44M | |
| Wildfire | $26M | |
| Tornado | $14M | |
| Hail | $13M | |
| Lightning | $8M | |
| Strong wind | $4M | |
| Cold wave | $2M | |
| Winter weather | $1M | |
| Earthquake | $779K | |
| Heat wave | $702K | |
| Ice storm | $90K | |
| Drought | $57K |
Homes in Highlands Ranch
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 Douglas County
More cities in Douglas County
Other cities in Colorado
All ›Common questions about Highlands Ranch
Is Highlands Ranch safe from natural disasters?
Highlands Ranch is in Douglas County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, wildfire, tornado. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Highlands Ranch?
By expected yearly losses in Douglas County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), wildfire (High), tornado (High). Douglas County has been part of 11 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Highlands Ranch get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 64 tornadoes in Douglas County since 1950; the strongest was an F2 tornado on July 19, 1985. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Highlands Ranch?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Douglas County, about 0.3% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk moderate. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.