Lisa O
Tornadoes are nature’s way of showing us just how wild and unpredictable the weather can get. While these spinning giants can pop up almost anywhere, some states definitely see more tornado action than others. If you live in or are thinking about moving to one of these states, it’s smart to know what you’re in for. Check out this list of the top 8 U.S. states where tornadoes are most likely to hit.
Texas – 89 tornadoes (2023)
Texas is famous for its big skies and wide-open spaces, but it’s also pretty notorious when it comes to tornadoes. In 2023, the state saw 89 tornadoes, making it one of the top spots for tornado activity. You can clearly see this reflected in the cost of home insurance—Texans shell out an average of $3,726 for a $300K dwelling policy, which is $1,496 more than the national average.
(Based on a report by Austin American-Statesman)
Colorado – 89 tornadoes (2023)
You might not immediately think of Colorado as a tornado hotspot, but it’s actually more prone to these storms than you might guess. The state had 89 tornadoes in 2023. Colorado’s mix of flat plains and mountainous areas can set the stage for tornadoes to form. Because of this, home insurance here is super pricey—averaging $3,124 for a $300K policy, which is $894 above the national average.
(Based on a report by Chicago Sun-Times)
Georgia – 58 tornadoes (2023)
Georgia had 58 tornadoes in 2023. While that’s less than some of the other states on this list, tornadoes are still a real concern. Home insurance in Georgia costs an average of $1,945 for a $300K policy, which is $285 less than the national average. The state saw five tornadoes per 1,000 square miles. Plus, from January 2019 to May 2024, there were five deaths and four injuries per 100,000 people linked to tornadoes.
(Based on a report by Insurance Information Institute)
Nebraska – 81 tornadoes (2023)
Nebraska deals with tornadoes pretty often. In 2023, the state saw 81 tornadoes. Because of this, home insurance is really steep, averaging $5,249 for a $300K policy—that’s $3,019 more than the national average! Nebraska’s flat landscape and weather patterns make it a hotspot for tornadoes, which drives up insurance rates and means homeowners need to be on their toes.
(Based on a report by Insure.com)
Mississippi – 81 tornadoes (2023)
Mississippi is definitely familiar with tornadoes, having had 81 of them in 2023. Located in the southeastern U.S., the state is prone to severe weather, including tornadoes. Homeowners here pay an average of $2,820 for a $300K policy, which is $590 more than the national average. This higher insurance cost reflects the frequent tornadoes and the potential for big damage, so it’s important for people in Mississippi to stay aware of the tornado risks.
(Based on a report by NOAA)
Alabama – 101 tornadoes (2023)
Alabama has a pretty well-known tornado history, with 101 tornadoes reported in 2023. The state’s climate and geography make it a prime spot for tornadoes, which drives up insurance costs. Home insurance in Alabama averages $2,745 for a $300K policy—which is $515 more than the national average. With frequent tornadoes and higher insurance premiums, it’s totally clear that being ready for severe weather is a must in Alabama.
(Based on a report by Policygenious)
Illinois – 136 tornadoes (2023)
Illinois is a major tornado hotspot, with 136 tornadoes reported in 2023. Even with such a high number, home insurance costs an average of $2,189 for a $300K policy, which is $41 less than the national average. Now, it might seem surprising that insurance is lower despite the frequent tornadoes, but don’t let that fool you—the risk is still very much real.
(Based on a report by WCIA.com)
Iowa – 73 tornadoes (2023)
Iowa, with its wide-open spaces and quirky weather, had 73 tornadoes in 2023. Home insurance here is a bit cheaper than average, running about $2,012 for a $300K policy, which is $218 less than the norm. But despite the low insurance costs—tornadoes are still a big deal in Iowa. So it’s smart for everyone in the Hawkeye State to be ready for these powerful storms.
(Based on a report by Insurance Information Institute)