Belton, Missouri: natural disaster risk
How exposed Belton is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Cass County.
Belton is a city of 25,008 people in Cass County, Missouri. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Cass County relatively low for natural hazards overall, lower than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, tornado and cold wave, with about $44.3 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 812 storm reports in the county since 1955, including 41 tornadoes and 71 floods. About 0.3% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Cass County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Belton
Full Cass 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.
- Insulate pipes in outside walls, crawl spaces and garages.
- Know how to shut off the main water valve.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $17M | |
| Tornado | $9M | |
| Cold wave | $6M | |
| Heat wave | $4M | |
| Hail | $3M | |
| Strong wind | $3M | |
| Lightning | $527K | |
| Earthquake | $450K | |
| Ice storm | $363K | |
| Winter weather | $291K | |
| Drought | $186K | |
| Wildfire | $18K |
Homes in Belton
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 Cass County
More cities in Cass County
Common questions about Belton
Is Belton safe from natural disasters?
Belton is in Cass County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively low overall, lower than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, tornado, cold wave. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Belton?
By expected yearly losses in Cass County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Low), tornado (Moderate), cold wave (Moderate). Cass County has been part of 19 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Belton get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 41 tornadoes in Cass County since 1950; the strongest was an F3 tornado on May 4, 1977. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Belton?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Cass County, about 0.3% 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.