Joplin, Missouri: natural disaster risk
How exposed Joplin is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Jasper County.
Joplin is a city of 52,593 people in Jasper County, Missouri. Parts of Joplin also reach into Newton County. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Jasper County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, tornado and heat wave, with about $58.5 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 1,138 storm reports in the county since 1951, including 54 tornadoes and 235 floods. About 0.2% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Jasper County, the county with most of the population Joplin 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 Joplin
Full Jasper 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 that cooling works before summer.
- Know where the nearest cooling center is.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $26M | |
| Tornado | $13M | |
| Heat wave | $5M | |
| Ice storm | $2M | |
| Cold wave | $2M | |
| Drought | $2M | |
| Strong wind | $2M | |
| Hail | $2M | |
| Earthquake | $2M | |
| Lightning | $1M | |
| Winter weather | $339K | |
| Wildfire | $133K |
Homes in Joplin
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 Jasper County
Common questions about Joplin
Is Joplin safe from natural disasters?
Joplin is in Jasper County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, tornado, heat wave. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Joplin?
By expected yearly losses in Jasper County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), tornado (High), heat wave (Moderate). Jasper County has been part of 21 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Joplin get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 54 tornadoes in Jasper County since 1950; the strongest was an EF5 tornado on May 22, 2011 near Central City. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Joplin?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Jasper County, about 0.2% 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.