Cedar City, Utah: natural disaster risk
How exposed Cedar City is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Iron County.
Cedar City is a city of 38,524 people in Iron County, Utah. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Iron County relatively low for natural hazards overall, lower than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are wildfire, inland flooding and earthquake, with about $30.5 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 117 storm reports in the county since 1953, including 5 tornadoes and 55 floods. About 0.5% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Iron County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Cedar City
Full Iron County report ›- Clear dry plants and debris within 5 feet of the house.
- Get home insurance quotes early; availability varies by area.
- 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | $15M | |
| Inland flooding | $8M | |
| Earthquake | $4M | |
| Lightning | $1M | |
| Winter weather | $958K | |
| Drought | $560K | |
| Heat wave | $388K | |
| Strong wind | $153K | |
| Landslide | $86K | |
| Cold wave | $76K | |
| Ice storm | $35K | |
| Tornado | $18K |
Homes in Cedar 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 Iron County
Common questions about Cedar City
Is Cedar City safe from natural disasters?
Cedar City is in Iron County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively low overall, lower than most of the US. The biggest hazards are wildfire, 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 Cedar City?
By expected yearly losses in Iron County, the top hazards are wildfire (High), inland flooding (Low), earthquake (Low). Iron County has been part of 5 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Cedar City get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 5 tornadoes in Iron County since 1950; the strongest was an F1 tornado on May 30, 1986. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county very low.
Do I need flood insurance in Cedar City?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Iron County, about 0.5% 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.