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Lima, Ohio: natural disaster risk

How exposed Lima is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Allen County.

Relatively Low overall risk
35,010people
Inland floodingtop hazard
8federal declarations, Allen County
23tornadoes in the county since 1950
Photo: U.S. Geological Survey, public domain

Lima is a city of 35,010 people in Allen County, Ohio. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Allen County relatively low for natural hazards overall, lower than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, tornado and earthquake, with about $31.9 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 289 storm reports in the county since 1950, including 23 tornadoes and 11 floods. About 0.4% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.

Risk figures are for Allen County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.

$22.5 million a year in the county
  • 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.

Tornado

Moderate
$3 million a year in the county
  • 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.
$2.3 million a year in the county
  • Ask whether an older house is bolted to its foundation.
  • Consider separate earthquake insurance where risk is high.

All hazards

HazardRatingA year
Inland floodingModerate$23M
TornadoModerate$3M
EarthquakeLow$2M
Strong windModerate$1M
HailModerate$834K
Cold waveLow$633K
Heat waveLow$409K
Ice stormModerate$356K
LightningLow$291K
Winter weatherModerate$192K
HurricaneVery Low$54K
WildfireVery Low$3K

Homes in Lima

Median home value$107,200
Allen County median$165,300
Median year built1955
Built before 198083%
Mobile homes1.4%

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 Allen County

1965F411 killed
1950F330 hurt
1971F3

Common questions about Lima

Is Lima safe from natural disasters?

Lima is in Allen County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively low overall, lower than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, tornado, earthquake. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.

What natural disasters happen in Lima?

By expected yearly losses in Allen County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), tornado (Moderate), earthquake (Low). Allen County has been part of 8 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.

Does Lima get tornadoes?

Yes. NOAA records list 23 tornadoes in Allen County since 1950; the strongest was an F4 tornado on April 11, 1965. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.

Do I need flood insurance in Lima?

Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Allen County, about 0.4% 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.