Waxahachie, Texas: natural disaster risk
How exposed Waxahachie is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Ellis County.
Waxahachie is a city of 45,347 people in Ellis County, Texas. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Ellis County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, cold wave and tornado, with about $46.9 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 930 storm reports in the county since 1956, including 63 tornadoes and 110 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 0 hurricanes and 6 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 0.8% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Ellis County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Waxahachie
Full Ellis 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.
- 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 | $24M | |
| Cold wave | $7M | |
| Tornado | $6M | |
| Hail | $4M | |
| Heat wave | $3M | |
| Lightning | $1M | |
| Wildfire | $805K | |
| Strong wind | $447K | |
| Earthquake | $303K | |
| Ice storm | $126K | |
| Winter weather | $106K | |
| Hurricane | $92K |
Homes in Waxahachie
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 Ellis County
More cities in Ellis County
Common questions about Waxahachie
Is Waxahachie safe from natural disasters?
Waxahachie is in Ellis County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, cold wave, tornado. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Waxahachie?
By expected yearly losses in Ellis County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), cold wave (Moderate), tornado (Moderate). Ellis County has been part of 21 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Waxahachie get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 63 tornadoes in Ellis County since 1950; the strongest was an F4 tornado on May 26, 1976. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Waxahachie?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Ellis 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.