Pearland, Texas: natural disaster risk
How exposed Pearland is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Harris County.
Pearland is a city of 127,514 people in Harris County, Texas. Parts of Pearland also reach into Fort Bend County and Brazoria County. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Harris County very high for natural hazards overall, higher than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, hurricane and tornado, with about $2.2 billion in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 1,890 storm reports in the county since 1950, including 254 tornadoes and 231 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 22 hurricanes and 27 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center, 5 of them major. About 16.6% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Harris County, the county with most of the population Pearland sits in. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Pearland
Full Harris 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.
- 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.
- 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.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $1.1B | |
| Hurricane | $458M | |
| Tornado | $407M | |
| Cold wave | $118M | |
| Heat wave | $80M | |
| Lightning | $9M | |
| Strong wind | $8M | |
| Earthquake | $6M | |
| Ice storm | $4M | |
| Coastal flooding | $3M | |
| Hail | $2M | |
| Wildfire | $562K |
Homes in Pearland
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 Harris County
Common questions about Pearland
Is Pearland safe from natural disasters?
Pearland is in Harris County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates very high overall, higher than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, hurricane, tornado. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Pearland?
By expected yearly losses in Harris County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Very High), hurricane (Very High), tornado (Very High). Harris County has been part of 39 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Pearland get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 254 tornadoes in Harris County since 1950; the strongest was an F4 tornado on November 21, 1992. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county very high.
Do I need flood insurance in Pearland?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Harris County, about 16.6% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk very high. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.