Galveston, Texas: natural disaster risk
How exposed Galveston is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Galveston County.
Galveston is a city of 53,424 people in Galveston County, Texas. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Galveston County relatively high for natural hazards overall, higher than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, cold wave and hurricane, with about $198 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 630 storm reports in the county since 1957, including 126 tornadoes and 108 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 30 hurricanes and 27 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center, 6 of them major. About 42.2% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Galveston County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Galveston
Full Galveston County report ›- 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.
- Insulate pipes in outside walls, crawl spaces and garages.
- Know how to shut off the main water valve.
- Know your evacuation zone and route before June 1.
- Ask about roof age, shutters and the separate wind or hurricane deductible on your home policy.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $63M | |
| Cold wave | $53M | |
| Hurricane | $42M | |
| Tornado | $19M | |
| Coastal flooding | $5M | |
| Heat wave | $5M | |
| Drought | $4M | |
| Lightning | $3M | |
| Ice storm | $1M | |
| Wildfire | $734K | |
| Strong wind | $627K | |
| Hail | $559K |
Homes in Galveston
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 Galveston County
More cities in Galveston County
Common questions about Galveston
Is Galveston safe from natural disasters?
Galveston is in Galveston County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively high overall, higher than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, cold wave, hurricane. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Galveston?
By expected yearly losses in Galveston County, the top hazards are inland flooding (High), cold wave (Very High), hurricane (High). Galveston County has been part of 29 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Galveston get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 126 tornadoes in Galveston County since 1950; the strongest was an F4 tornado on September 12, 1961. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Galveston?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Galveston County, about 42.2% 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.