Pharr, Texas: natural disaster risk
How exposed Pharr is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Hidalgo County.
Pharr is a city of 80,333 people in Hidalgo County, Texas. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Hidalgo County relatively high for natural hazards overall, higher than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are hurricane, cold wave and inland flooding, with about $310 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 571 storm reports in the county since 1955, including 43 tornadoes and 114 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 14 hurricanes and 16 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center, 6 of them major. About 3.7% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Hidalgo County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Pharr
Full Hidalgo County report ›- 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.
- Insulate pipes in outside walls, crawl spaces and garages.
- Know how to shut off the main water valve.
- 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.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | $127M | |
| Cold wave | $88M | |
| Inland flooding | $55M | |
| Heat wave | $13M | |
| Hail | $10M | |
| Tornado | $8M | |
| Drought | $4M | |
| Ice storm | $2M | |
| Strong wind | $1M | |
| Lightning | $833K | |
| Earthquake | $828K | |
| Winter weather | $432K |
Homes in Pharr
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 Hidalgo County
More cities in Hidalgo County
Common questions about Pharr
Is Pharr safe from natural disasters?
Pharr is in Hidalgo County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively high overall, higher than most of the US. The biggest hazards are hurricane, cold wave, inland flooding. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Pharr?
By expected yearly losses in Hidalgo County, the top hazards are hurricane (Very High), cold wave (Very High), inland flooding (High). Hidalgo County has been part of 30 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Pharr get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 43 tornadoes in Hidalgo County since 1950; the strongest was an F3 tornado on March 15, 1983. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Pharr?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Hidalgo County, about 3.7% 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.