Lubbock, Texas: natural disaster risk
How exposed Lubbock is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Lubbock County.
Lubbock is a city of 264,814 people in Lubbock County, Texas. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Lubbock County relatively high for natural hazards overall, higher than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are drought, inland flooding and hail, with about $214 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 1,341 storm reports in the county since 1955, including 98 tornadoes and 83 floods. About 0.8% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Lubbock County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Lubbock
Full Lubbock County report ›- Check local water restrictions.
- Choose drought-tolerant plants.
- 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Drought | $62M | |
| Inland flooding | $47M | |
| Hail | $35M | |
| Tornado | $32M | |
| Strong wind | $17M | |
| Cold wave | $15M | |
| Heat wave | $1M | |
| Winter weather | $1M | |
| Ice storm | $1M | |
| Lightning | $804K | |
| Wildfire | $750K | |
| Earthquake | $439K |
Homes in Lubbock
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 Lubbock County
Common questions about Lubbock
Is Lubbock safe from natural disasters?
Lubbock is in Lubbock County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively high overall, higher than most of the US. The biggest hazards are drought, 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 Lubbock?
By expected yearly losses in Lubbock County, the top hazards are drought (Very High), inland flooding (Moderate), hail (Very High). Lubbock County has been part of 18 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Lubbock get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 98 tornadoes in Lubbock County since 1950; the strongest was an F5 tornado on May 11, 1970. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Lubbock?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Lubbock County, about 0.8% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk moderate. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.