Denton, Texas: natural disaster risk
How exposed Denton is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Denton County.
Denton is a city of 152,866 people in Denton County, Texas. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Denton County relatively high for natural hazards overall, higher than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are tornado, inland flooding and hail, with about $355 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 1,603 storm reports in the county since 1950, including 58 tornadoes and 155 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 0 hurricanes and 3 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 0.7% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Denton County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Denton
Full Denton County report ›- Pick a shelter spot: a basement, or an inside room on the lowest floor with no windows.
- Turn on emergency alerts on your phone and keep a weather radio.
- 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 about the roof age and any impact-rated shingles.
- Check your home policy for a separate wind and hail deductible.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Tornado | $145M | |
| Inland flooding | $119M | |
| Hail | $43M | |
| Heat wave | $20M | |
| Cold wave | $14M | |
| Strong wind | $3M | |
| Ice storm | $3M | |
| Wildfire | $3M | |
| Earthquake | $1M | |
| Lightning | $1M | |
| Winter weather | $414K | |
| Hurricane | $236K |
Homes in Denton
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 Denton County
Common questions about Denton
Is Denton safe from natural disasters?
Denton is in Denton County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively high overall, higher than most of the US. The biggest hazards are tornado, inland flooding, hail. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Denton?
By expected yearly losses in Denton County, the top hazards are tornado (Very High), inland flooding (High), hail (Very High). Denton County has been part of 21 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Denton get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 58 tornadoes in Denton County since 1950; the strongest was an F3 tornado on June 12, 1966. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county very high.
Do I need flood insurance in Denton?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Denton County, about 0.7% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk high. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.