For ice storms, Nixa’s building-damage rate is in the top 2% of U.S. census tracts
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Nixa gets a B− for hazard risk: lower expected damage per building than 51% of U.S. towns, #81 of 247 in Missouri. Most of that expected damage is river and rain flooding (61%), then tornadoes (15%). Flood insurance has paid 4 claims here since 1985.
Graded on FEMA’s expected yearly building damage per dollar of building value (NRI v1.20, December 2025), weighted by where residents live; flood claims are shown, not graded. How hazard risk is graded
What Nixa faces
Each hazard’s share of the building damage FEMA expects here, and how its rate compares with the rest of the country.
River and rain flooding
Tornadoes
Ice storms
Strong wind
Shares are of FEMA’s expected building damage, the measure the grade uses; ranks compare each hazard’s building-damage rate with all 85,154 U.S. census tracts. In FEMA’s terms, river and rain flooding is FEMA’s “Inland Flooding” (rivers and streams overflowing their banks, or rain overwhelming drainage). FEMA defines coastal flooding as high or rising tides and storm surge, so surge damage is counted there. Drought isn’t listed: FEMA counts its losses in crops only.
What’s behind Nixa’s grade
River and rain flooding is 61% of the building damage FEMA expects in Nixa, and Nixa’s rate of river and rain flooding damage is lower than 54% of U.S. census tracts. Tornadoes add 15%, at a rate in the top 9% of U.S. census tracts.
B− #81 of 247 in Missouri; lower expected damage per building than 51% of U.S. towns (21,298).
Nixa’s residents live in 6 census tracts; FEMA’s figures are combined by where they live.
The typical Missouri town has higher expected damage than 59% of U.S. towns; within the state, Nixa has less expected damage per building than 67% of Missouri towns.
In dollars, FEMA expects about $8.3M a year in losses across Nixa: $5.7M to buildings, the rest to people and crops.
Does Nixa flood? Rarely: 4 flood claims since 1985
Every paid claim on a federal flood insurance policy in Nixa, from FEMA’s records: 0.4 per 1,000 homes, fewer than 91% of the 13,809 U.S. towns with a flood insurance record.
- The Mid-spring storms1 claim · $2K
Nixa isn’t in FEMA’s Community Rating System, which cuts flood insurance up to 45% in towns that do extra flood-proofing.
Insurance rates: Christian County.7 federal disasters brought FEMA money to Nixa
Disasters that paid out in Nixa itself (aid to households or repair grants to the City of Nixa), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2023Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding$185K to the City of Nixa for repairs
- 2017Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds and Flooding8 households applied for aid$3K aid approved
- 2008Severe Storms and Flooding54 households applied for aid$57K aid approved
- 2008Severe Winter Storms and Flooding$57K to the City of Nixa for repairs
- 2007Severe Winter Storms and Flooding$77K to the City of Nixa for repairs
- 2006Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding71 households applied for aid$8K aid approved
Show all 7
- 2002Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding$14K to the City of Nixa for repairs
Christian County has had 19 natural disasters declared by the President since 1953, most often severe storms, then winter storms. Not counted: the 2005 Hurricane Katrina evacuee emergency, which covered counties that took in evacuees.
Old photos of Nixa after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the Nixa archive →Nixa and its neighbors
Nixa has the lowest expected damage per building of the 2 graded towns here. Tap a town to see its hazards.
| Town | Hazard risk | Mostly (buildings) | Flood claims |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nixa | B−less damage than 51% | river and rain flooding | 4 |
| Ozark | C+more damage than 57% | river and rain flooding | 26 |
Hazard risk = FEMA’s expected yearly building damage per dollar of building value, vs. the 21,298 U.S. towns we grade; the map is shaded by fifths of the same scale. Flood claims = paid federal flood insurance claims on record.
Get ready for what Nixa faces
A short kit for the hazards that drive the building damage here, what to check before you buy, and where neighbors get alerts.
- Turn around at flooded roads: a foot of moving water can carry off a car.
- Flood insurance usually takes 30 days to start, so buy it before the forecast.
- Keep papers and medicines up high, in a grab-and-go bag.
- Pick your spot now: the lowest floor, an inside room, no windows.
- A watch means be ready; a warning means take cover now.
- Keep shoes and a flashlight by the bed.
- Ice brings down trees and lines: plan for days without power.
- Run a generator outside, far from doors and windows.
- Keep sand or salt by the door.
- Trim dead limbs over the house and driveway.
- Tie down trash cans and outdoor furniture.
- Stay clear of downed lines and call the utility.
- Look up the address on FEMA’s flood map.
- Ask the seller or landlord whether it has ever flooded, and what flood insurance costs there.
- Get a flood insurance quote early: policies usually start 30 days after you buy.
Know where neighbors sign up for alerts? Add it to the Handbook so everyone has it.
Questions about natural hazards in Nixa
Is Nixa at risk for natural disasters?
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Nixa has lower expected damage per building than 51% of U.S. towns: B− for hazard risk, #81 of 247 in Missouri. Most of the expected damage is river and rain flooding (61%) and tornadoes (15%). This is FEMA’s model of an average year for today’s buildings, not a forecast.
Does Nixa flood?
Flood insurance has paid 4 claims in Nixa since 1985, $37K in all, or 0.4 per 1,000 homes, fewer than 91% of U.S. towns with a flood insurance record. The most claims came from Mid-spring storms (1).
Is Nixa in a flood zone?
Flood zones are drawn street by street, so the answer depends on the address: look it up on FEMA’s flood map. In Christian County, 19% of homes in mapped flood zones carry federal flood insurance, and 0.2% of all homes do.
How much is flood insurance in Nixa?
FEMA’s Community Rating System list shows no discount for Nixa’s flood program. Premiums depend on the building; policies usually start 30 days after you buy, so get a quote early.
What was the biggest storm in Nixa?
By FEMA money that reached Nixa, Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding (2023): $185K to the City of Nixa for repairs. By flood claims, Mid-spring storms: 1 paid, $2K.
Is Nixa at risk from river and rain flooding?
It is the largest share of the building damage FEMA expects here (61%), and Nixa’s rate for it is lower than 54% of U.S. census tracts.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in Nixa.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where Nixa’s residents lived in the 2020 census; OpenFEMA: NFIP redacted claims, multiple-loss properties, community status book and residential penetration rates, housing assistance (owners and renters), public assistance funded projects, hazard mitigation properties and disaster declarations. Homes: Census ACS 2020–24. Preparedness tips: Ready.gov. FEMA’s model is an average of expected damage, not a forecast. How hazard risk is graded.