Enter any Texas address to see its FEMA flood zone designation
Texas experiences a mixed flood risk profile, with flash floods being the most frequent event type over the last 30 years, accounting for 13,530 occurrences and 546 fatalities. Other significant flood-related events include general floods (1,810 events, 45 deaths), tropical storms (298 events, 31 deaths), and hurricanes (68 events, 32 deaths).
Recent federal disaster declarations highlight ongoing flood events, with multiple declarations for "Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, and Flooding" in July 2025. While the data does not specify geographic locations within Texas for these events, the presence of tropical storms and hurricanes suggests coastal areas are particularly vulnerable to storm surge and tidal flooding. Inland areas are more susceptible to flash flooding due to the high frequency of such events.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) data indicates that properties in FEMA Zone A have the highest number of claims (145,885) and the largest total payout ($7.28 billion), with an average claim of $49,888. Zone X also shows a substantial number of claims (106,585) and a high total payout ($5.24 billion), though with a slightly lower average claim of $49,177. Notably, Zone X_Unshaded, often considered lower risk, still generated over 38,000 claims with an average payout of $20,733, suggesting that flood risk is not confined to traditionally designated high-risk zones.
Summary generated from FEMA disaster declarations, NOAA storm events, and NFIP claim data. Updated quarterly.
Source: OpenFEMA NFIP Claims, Policies, and Disaster Declarations data.
Texas has received 5,389 federal disaster declarations, including 655 flood and coastal storm declarations and 561 hurricane declarations.
FEMA designates flood zones across Texas using the following classifications:
AE High Risk — 1% annual chance of flooding (100-year floodplain). Insurance required for federal mortgages.
VE Very High Risk — Coastal flooding with wave action. Strictest building codes.
X (Shaded) Moderate Risk — 500-year floodplain. Insurance recommended.
X Low Risk — Outside major floodplains. Insurance optional but advisable — from 2014 to 2024, nearly one-third of NFIP claims came from outside high-risk zones.
Properties in Texas FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Areas (zones A and V) with federally backed mortgages are required to carry flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
The average NFIP premium in Texas is approximately $522 per year. Rates vary significantly based on flood zone, building elevation, and coverage amount.
Even outside high-risk zones, flood insurance is recommended. From 2014 to 2024, nearly one-third of NFIP claims came from properties outside the high-risk Special Flood Hazard Area. Texas residents can purchase flood insurance through the NFIP or private insurers.
Visit FloodSmart.gov to find an agent and get a quote.
See the most flood-prone counties in Texas →
Select a county to view local flood zone data and disaster history: