San Marcos, Texas: natural disaster risk
How exposed San Marcos is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Hays County.
San Marcos is a city of 70,897 people in Hays County, Texas. Parts of San Marcos also reach into Guadalupe County and Caldwell County. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Hays County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, tornado and hail, with about $109 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 455 storm reports in the county since 1953, including 31 tornadoes and 130 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 3 hurricanes and 8 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 2.3% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Hays County, the county with most of the population San Marcos 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 San Marcos
Full Hays 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.
- 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.
- 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $68M | |
| Tornado | $19M | |
| Hail | $5M | |
| Heat wave | $5M | |
| Cold wave | $4M | |
| Lightning | $2M | |
| Strong wind | $2M | |
| Wildfire | $1M | |
| Drought | $998K | |
| Winter weather | $720K | |
| Hurricane | $388K | |
| Ice storm | $202K |
Homes in San Marcos
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 Hays County
More cities in Hays County
Common questions about San Marcos
Is San Marcos safe from natural disasters?
San Marcos is in Hays County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, tornado, hail. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in San Marcos?
By expected yearly losses in Hays County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), tornado (High), hail (High). Hays County has been part of 25 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does San Marcos get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 31 tornadoes in Hays County since 1950; the strongest was an F3 tornado on April 28, 1953. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in San Marcos?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Hays County, about 2.3% 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.