Des Moines, Iowa: natural disaster risk
How exposed Des Moines is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Polk County.
Des Moines is a city of 212,421 people in Polk County, Iowa. Parts of Des Moines also reach into Warren County. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Polk County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, tornado and strong wind, with about $138 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 2,128 storm reports in the county since 1955, including 68 tornadoes and 268 floods. About 0.4% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Polk County, the county with most of the population Des Moines sits in. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Des Moines
Full Polk 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.
- 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.
- Secure outdoor furniture and trash bins before storms.
- Have trees near the house checked.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $61M | |
| Tornado | $31M | |
| Strong wind | $11M | |
| Heat wave | $11M | |
| Cold wave | $10M | |
| Hail | $7M | |
| Drought | $3M | |
| Ice storm | $1M | |
| Earthquake | $820K | |
| Lightning | $816K | |
| Winter weather | $506K | |
| Wildfire | $91K |
Homes in Des Moines
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 Polk County
More cities in Polk County
Common questions about Des Moines
Is Des Moines safe from natural disasters?
Des Moines is in Polk County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, tornado, strong wind. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Des Moines?
By expected yearly losses in Polk County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), tornado (High), strong wind (Very High). Polk County has been part of 19 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Des Moines get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 68 tornadoes in Polk County since 1950; the strongest was an F4 tornado on June 18, 1974. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Des Moines?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Polk County, about 0.4% 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.