Springfield, Missouri: natural disaster risk
How exposed Springfield is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Greene County.
Springfield is a city of 169,954 people in Greene County, Missouri. Parts of Springfield also reach into Christian County. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Greene County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, heat wave and tornado, with about $97 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 2,150 storm reports in the county since 1950, including 60 tornadoes and 409 floods. About 0.2% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Greene County, the county with most of the population Springfield 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 Springfield
Full Greene 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.
- Check that cooling works before summer.
- Know where the nearest cooling center is.
- 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.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $39M | |
| Heat wave | $17M | |
| Tornado | $13M | |
| Earthquake | $10M | |
| Ice storm | $5M | |
| Cold wave | $4M | |
| Hail | $3M | |
| Lightning | $2M | |
| Strong wind | $2M | |
| Winter weather | $1M | |
| Wildfire | $241K | |
| Drought | $112K |
Homes in Springfield
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 Greene County
Common questions about Springfield
Is Springfield safe from natural disasters?
Springfield is in Greene County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, heat wave, tornado. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Springfield?
By expected yearly losses in Greene County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), heat wave (High), tornado (High). Greene County has been part of 25 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Springfield get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 60 tornadoes in Greene County since 1950; the strongest was an F4 tornado on November 29, 1991. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Springfield?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Greene 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.