Waukee, Iowa: natural disaster risk
How exposed Waukee is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Dallas County.
Waukee is a city of 29,236 people in Dallas County, Iowa. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Dallas County relatively low for natural hazards overall, lower than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, tornado and drought, with about $39.7 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 946 storm reports in the county since 1955, including 58 tornadoes and 136 floods. About 0.2% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Dallas County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Waukee
Full Dallas 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.
- Check local water restrictions.
- Choose drought-tolerant plants.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $17M | |
| Tornado | $10M | |
| Drought | $4M | |
| Cold wave | $2M | |
| Heat wave | $2M | |
| Hail | $2M | |
| Strong wind | $2M | |
| Lightning | $444K | |
| Ice storm | $375K | |
| Winter weather | $256K | |
| Earthquake | $86K | |
| Wildfire | $51K |
Homes in Waukee
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 Dallas County
More cities in Dallas County
Common questions about Waukee
Is Waukee safe from natural disasters?
Waukee is in Dallas County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively low overall, lower than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, tornado, drought. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Waukee?
By expected yearly losses in Dallas County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Low), tornado (Moderate), drought (High). Dallas County has been part of 18 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Waukee get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 58 tornadoes in Dallas County since 1950; the strongest was an F3 tornado on June 13, 1976. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Waukee?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Dallas County, about 0.2% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk low. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.