Photo: Jon Roanhaus · CC BY-SA 4.0On FEMA’s figures, Humboldt faces more hazard damage per building than 78% of U.S. towns, mostly from river and rain flooding
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Humboldt gets a C− for hazard risk: higher expected damage per building than 78% of U.S. towns. Most of that expected damage is river and rain flooding (79%). Flood insurance has paid 1 claim here since 2007.
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 stands out about Humboldt’s natural hazards
From FEMA’s model and FEMA’s records, below.
What Humboldt 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
Tornadoes
Strong wind
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 Humboldt’s grade
River and rain flooding is 79% of the building damage FEMA expects in Humboldt, and Humboldt’s rate of river and rain flooding damage is higher than 84% of U.S. census tracts. Strong wind adds 5%, at a rate in the top 4% of U.S. census tracts.
C− higher expected damage per building than 78% of U.S. towns (21,298).
All of Humboldt’s residents live in one census tract; the figures are that tract’s.
In dollars, FEMA expects about $1.1M a year in losses across Humboldt: $686K to buildings, the rest to people and crops.
Does Humboldt flood? Rarely: 1 flood claim since 2007
Every paid claim on a federal flood insurance policy in Humboldt, from FEMA’s records: 1.1 per 1,000 homes, fewer than 76% of the 13,809 U.S. towns with a flood insurance record.
- The Thunderstorms1 claim · $5K
Humboldt is in FEMA’s Community Rating System (class 9) for its flood-proofing work.
Insurance rates: Allen County.4 federal disasters brought FEMA money to Humboldt
Disasters that paid out in Humboldt itself (aid to households or repair grants to the City of Humboldt), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2023Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding$45K to the City of Humboldt for repairs
- 2007Severe Storms and Flooding17 households applied for aid$226K aid approved$39K to the City of Humboldt for repairs1 flood claim paid that year
- 2003Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding12 households applied for aid$771 aid approved
- 2002Severe Winter Ice Storm$43K to the City of Humboldt for repairs
Allen County has had 11 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.
Old photos of Humboldt after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the Humboldt archive →Humboldt and its neighbors
Humboldt has the lowest expected damage per building of the 1 graded towns here. Tap a town to see its hazards.
| Town | Hazard risk | Mostly (buildings) | Flood claims |
|---|---|---|---|
| Humboldt | C−more damage than 78% | river and rain flooding | 1 |
| Humboldt Township | — | 153 residents; we grade 1,000+ | |
| Logan Township | — | 32 residents; we grade 1,000+ | |
Hazard risk = FEMA’s expected yearly building damage per dollar of building value, vs. the 21,298 U.S. towns we grade; the map is shaded by fifths of the same scale. Flood claims = paid federal flood insurance claims on record.
Get ready for what Humboldt 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.
- 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.
- Trim dead limbs over the house and driveway.
- Tie down trash cans and outdoor furniture.
- Stay clear of downed lines and call the utility.
- 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.
- Humboldt residents get 05% off flood insurance.
Know where neighbors sign up for alerts? Add it to the Handbook so everyone has it.
Questions about natural hazards in Humboldt
Is Humboldt at risk for natural disasters?
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Humboldt has higher expected damage per building than 78% of U.S. towns: C− for hazard risk. Most of the expected damage is river and rain flooding (79%) and tornadoes (8%). The figures are for the one census tract the town shares with its neighbors. This is FEMA’s model of an average year for today’s buildings, not a forecast.
Does Humboldt flood?
Flood insurance has paid 1 claim in Humboldt since 2007, $5K in all, or 1.1 per 1,000 homes, fewer than 76% of U.S. towns with a flood insurance record. The most claims came from Thunderstorms (1).
Is Humboldt 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 Allen County, 14% of homes in mapped flood zones carry federal flood insurance, and 0.9% of all homes do.
How much is flood insurance in Humboldt?
Humboldt is in FEMA’s Community Rating System (class 9), which takes 05% off federal flood insurance policies for its flood-proofing work. Premiums depend on the building; policies usually start 30 days after you buy, so get a quote early.
What was the biggest storm in Humboldt?
By FEMA money that reached Humboldt, Severe Storms and Flooding (2007): 17 households applied for aid, $226K approved, and $39K to the City of Humboldt for repairs. By flood claims, Thunderstorms: 1 paid, $5K.
Is Humboldt at risk from river and rain flooding?
It is the largest share of the building damage FEMA expects here (79%), and Humboldt’s rate for it is higher than 84% of U.S. census tracts.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in Humboldt.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where Humboldt’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.