Photo: Valis55 · CC BY-SA 4.0FEMA puts Hampton’s expected hazard damage per building above that of 80% of U.S. towns, mostly from river and rain flooding
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Hampton gets a C− for hazard risk: higher expected damage per building than 80% of U.S. towns. Most of that expected damage is river and rain flooding (58%), then earthquakes (13%). Flood insurance has paid 3 claims here since 2008.
Graded on FEMA’s expected yearly building damage per dollar of building value (NRI v1.20, December 2025), weighted by where residents live; flood claims are shown, not graded. How hazard risk is graded
What Hampton faces
Each hazard’s share of the building damage FEMA expects here, and how its rate compares with the rest of the country.
River and rain flooding
Earthquakes
Ice storms
Tornadoes
Shares are of FEMA’s expected building damage, the measure the grade uses; ranks compare each hazard’s building-damage rate with all 85,154 U.S. census tracts. In FEMA’s terms, river and rain flooding is FEMA’s “Inland Flooding” (rivers and streams overflowing their banks, or rain overwhelming drainage). FEMA defines coastal flooding as high or rising tides and storm surge, so surge damage is counted there. Drought isn’t listed: FEMA counts its losses in crops only.
What’s behind Hampton’s grade
River and rain flooding is 58% of the building damage FEMA expects in Hampton, and Hampton’s rate of river and rain flooding damage is higher than 71% of U.S. census tracts. Ice storms add 10%, at a rate in the top 1% of U.S. census tracts.
C− higher expected damage per building than 80% of U.S. towns (21,298).
Hampton’s residents live in 2 census tracts; FEMA’s figures are combined by where they live.
In dollars, FEMA expects about $641K a year in losses across Hampton: $457K to buildings, the rest to people and crops.
Does Hampton flood? Rarely: 3 flood claims since 2008
Every paid claim on a federal flood insurance policy in Hampton, from FEMA’s records: 5.0 per 1,000 homes, more than 60% of the 13,809 U.S. towns with a flood insurance record.
- Hurricane Gustav1 claim · $20K
Hampton isn’t in FEMA’s Community Rating System, which cuts flood insurance up to 45% in towns that do extra flood-proofing.
Insurance rates: Calhoun County.2 federal disasters brought FEMA money to Hampton
Disasters that paid out in Hampton itself (aid to households or repair grants to the City of Hampton), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2004Severe Storms and Flooding$3K to the City of Hampton for repairs
- 2000Severe Winter Ice Storm$29K to the City of Hampton for repairs
Calhoun County has had 18 natural disasters declared by the President since 1953, most often severe storms, then winter storms. Not counted: the 2005 Hurricane Katrina evacuee emergency, which covered counties that took in evacuees.
Also 1 FEMA wildfire suppression grant (Fire Management Assistance, not a disaster declaration) for fires in Calhoun County, 2026–2026.
Old photos of Hampton after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the Hampton archive →Get ready for what Hampton faces
A short kit for the hazards that drive the building damage here, what to check before you buy, and where neighbors get alerts.
- Turn around at flooded roads: a foot of moving water can carry off a car.
- Flood insurance usually takes 30 days to start, so buy it before the forecast.
- Keep papers and medicines up high, in a grab-and-go bag.
- Drop, cover and hold on.
- Strap tall furniture and the water heater to the wall.
- Know how to shut off the gas.
- Ice brings down trees and lines: plan for days without power.
- Run a generator outside, far from doors and windows.
- Keep sand or salt by the door.
- Pick your spot now: the lowest floor, an inside room, no windows.
- A watch means be ready; a warning means take cover now.
- Keep shoes and a flashlight by the bed.
- Look up the address on FEMA’s flood map.
- Ask the seller or landlord whether it has ever flooded, and what flood insurance costs there.
- Get a flood insurance quote early: policies usually start 30 days after you buy.
Know where neighbors sign up for alerts? Add it to the Handbook so everyone has it.
Questions about natural hazards in Hampton
Is Hampton at risk for natural disasters?
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Hampton has higher expected damage per building than 80% of U.S. towns: C− for hazard risk. Most of the expected damage is river and rain flooding (58%) and earthquakes (13%). This is FEMA’s model of an average year for today’s buildings, not a forecast.
Does Hampton flood?
Flood insurance has paid 3 claims in Hampton since 2008, $110K in all, or 5.0 per 1,000 homes, more than 60% of U.S. towns with a flood insurance record. 1 properties have flooded more than once. The most claims came from Hurricane Gustav (1).
Is Hampton in a flood zone?
Flood zones are drawn street by street, so the answer depends on the address: look it up on FEMA’s flood map. In Calhoun County, 0.2% of all homes carry federal flood insurance.
How much is flood insurance in Hampton?
FEMA’s Community Rating System list shows no discount for Hampton’s flood program. Premiums depend on the building; policies usually start 30 days after you buy, so get a quote early.
What was the biggest storm in Hampton?
By FEMA money that reached Hampton, Severe Winter Ice Storm (2000): $29K to the City of Hampton for repairs. By flood claims, Hurricane Gustav: 1 paid, $20K.
Is Hampton at risk from river and rain flooding?
It is the largest share of the building damage FEMA expects here (58%), and Hampton’s rate for it is higher than 71% of U.S. census tracts.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in Hampton.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where Hampton’s residents lived in the 2020 census; OpenFEMA: NFIP redacted claims, multiple-loss properties, community status book and residential penetration rates, housing assistance (owners and renters), public assistance funded projects, hazard mitigation properties and disaster declarations. Homes: Census ACS 2020–24. Preparedness tips: Ready.gov. FEMA’s model is an average of expected damage, not a forecast. How hazard risk is graded.