Salt Lake City, Utah: natural disaster risk
How exposed Salt Lake City is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Salt Lake County.
Salt Lake City is a city of 208,007 people in Salt Lake County, Utah. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Salt Lake County relatively high for natural hazards overall, higher than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are earthquake, inland flooding and wildfire, with about $622 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 527 storm reports in the county since 1956, including 14 tornadoes and 45 floods. About 0.2% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Salt Lake County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Salt Lake City
Full Salt Lake County report ›- Ask whether an older house is bolted to its foundation.
- Consider separate earthquake insurance where risk is high.
- 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.
- Clear dry plants and debris within 5 feet of the house.
- Get home insurance quotes early; availability varies by area.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | $488M | |
| Inland flooding | $79M | |
| Wildfire | $25M | |
| Avalanche | $12M | |
| Heat wave | $6M | |
| Tornado | $4M | |
| Lightning | $3M | |
| Winter weather | $2M | |
| Strong wind | $1M | |
| Hail | $754K | |
| Cold wave | $696K | |
| Drought | $144K |
Homes in Salt Lake 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 Salt Lake County
Common questions about Salt Lake City
Is Salt Lake City safe from natural disasters?
Salt Lake City is in Salt Lake County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively high overall, higher than most of the US. The biggest hazards are earthquake, inland flooding, wildfire. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Salt Lake City?
By expected yearly losses in Salt Lake County, the top hazards are earthquake (High), inland flooding (Moderate), wildfire (High). Salt Lake County has been part of 10 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Salt Lake City get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 14 tornadoes in Salt Lake County since 1950; the strongest was an F2 tornado on August 11, 1999 near Salt Lake City. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Salt Lake City?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Salt Lake 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.