Lakewood, Colorado: natural disaster risk
How exposed Lakewood is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Jefferson County.
Lakewood is a city of 156,583 people in Jefferson County, Colorado. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Jefferson County relatively high for natural hazards overall, higher than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, hail and wildfire, with about $231 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 682 storm reports in the county since 1960, including 13 tornadoes and 45 floods. About 0.6% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Jefferson County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Lakewood
Full Jefferson 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.
- Ask about the roof age and any impact-rated shingles.
- Check your home policy for a separate wind and hail deductible.
- 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 | $77M | |
| Hail | $58M | |
| Wildfire | $49M | |
| Tornado | $22M | |
| Lightning | $11M | |
| Earthquake | $3M | |
| Cold wave | $3M | |
| Strong wind | $3M | |
| Winter weather | $2M | |
| Heat wave | $1M | |
| Landslide | $559K | |
| Ice storm | $325K |
Homes in Lakewood
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 Jefferson County
More cities in Jefferson County
Common questions about Lakewood
Is Lakewood safe from natural disasters?
Lakewood is in Jefferson County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively high overall, higher than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, hail, wildfire. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Lakewood?
By expected yearly losses in Jefferson County, the top hazards are inland flooding (High), hail (Very High), wildfire (High). Jefferson County has been part of 13 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Lakewood get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 13 tornadoes in Jefferson County since 1950; the strongest was an F2 tornado on June 3, 1981. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Lakewood?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Jefferson County, about 0.6% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk high. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.