Texas is the second-largest U.S. state, with a land area of 282,820 square miles and population of 28.3 million. Although some of the best reasons to live in Texas are reportedly the low cost of living, warm weather and countless natural wonders, homeowners there face higher risks for many dangers. Texas has been ranked repeatedly as one of the top 10 disaster-prone states in the country based on FEMA records dating back 65 years.
The sprawling state takes a beating from hurricanes, tornadoes, hail, floods, fires and winter storms. The worst natural disaster to date may have been Hurricane Harvey, which hit Texas in 2017, dumping
at least 4 feet of rain on Houston. Sadly, 88 lives in Texas were lost due to the storm, making it the most fatal hurricane in Texas since 2019. Thirteen thousand people were rescued, and approximately 30,000 were displaced.
Hurricane Harvey is comparable to Hurricane Katrina as the most expensive storm on record. It inflicted $125 billion in damage. But it’s not the only hurricane to have devastated the area. Ike made landfall in 2008, causing widespread flooding and damage to buildings in Galveston County.
Polk and Walker counties are considered the most vulnerable to hurricanes, but other areas can be affected. About 127,000 residents are at risk of coastal flooding. Climate change and sea level rise aren’t helping the issue. The number of Texas property owners in flood-prone areas is projected to almost double by 2050.
Moreover, the rest of the state is subject to wildfires and other extreme weather conditions. The state sees about 40 days per year with high wildfire potential. More than 72 percent of the Texas population lives in locations with an elevated risk of wildfire.
In the path of Tornado Alley, Texas’ wildfire danger is threatened by high winds. On average, about 132 tornadoes touch down in Texas every year. More tornadoes have been recorded here than in any other state. The most tornadoes rip through the Red River Valley in northern Texas, but the Gulf Coast sees plenty of funnel cloud activity.
Certain areas of Texas are prone to crime in addition to severe weather. Many of these areas are small towns with tiny populations. People who live in these areas may have trouble obtaining homeowner’s insurance, however.
Although the Texas FAIR Plan Association provides property insurance for homeowners that have been
turned down by other companies, it’s not the only option. Private insurers could protect Texas residents
who live in high-risk areas with affordable plans and comprehensive coverage.