University City, Missouri: natural disaster risk
How exposed University City is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for St. Louis County.
University City is a city of 34,685 people in St. Louis County, Missouri. FEMA's National Risk Index rates St. Louis County relatively high for natural hazards overall, higher than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are heat wave, inland flooding and earthquake, with about $753 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 1,464 storm reports in the county since 1950, including 58 tornadoes and 83 floods. About 0.6% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for St. Louis County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in University City
Full St. Louis County report ›- Check that cooling works before summer.
- Know where the nearest cooling center is.
- 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.
- Ask whether an older house is bolted to its foundation.
- Consider separate earthquake insurance where risk is high.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Heat wave | $253M | |
| Inland flooding | $240M | |
| Earthquake | $141M | |
| Cold wave | $41M | |
| Hail | $38M | |
| Tornado | $26M | |
| Lightning | $5M | |
| Ice storm | $4M | |
| Strong wind | $2M | |
| Winter weather | $2M | |
| Landslide | $443K | |
| Wildfire | $101K |
Homes in University City
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 St. Louis County
Common questions about University City
Is University City safe from natural disasters?
University City is in St. Louis County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively high overall, higher than most of the US. The biggest hazards are heat wave, inland flooding, earthquake. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in University City?
By expected yearly losses in St. Louis County, the top hazards are heat wave (Very High), inland flooding (High), earthquake (High). St. Louis County has been part of 32 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does University City get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 58 tornadoes in St. Louis County since 1950; the strongest was an F4 tornado on February 10, 1959. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in University City?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In St. Louis County, about 0.6% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk high. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.