Photo: Andrew Filer from Seattle (ex-Minneapolis) · CC BY-SA 2.0FEMA expects less hazard damage per building in Harvey than in 76% of U.S. towns, led by river and rain flooding
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Harvey gets an A− for hazard risk: lower expected damage per building than 76% of U.S. towns. Most of that expected damage is river and rain flooding (47%), then hail (22%). FEMA’s files show no paid flood insurance claims here.
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 Harvey 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
Hail
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 Harvey’s grade
River and rain flooding is 47% of the building damage FEMA expects in Harvey, and Harvey’s rate of river and rain flooding damage is lower than 88% of U.S. census tracts. Hail adds 22%, at a rate in the top 4% of U.S. census tracts.
A− lower expected damage per building than 76% of U.S. towns (21,298).
Harvey’s residents live in 2 census tracts; FEMA’s figures are combined by where they live.
In dollars, FEMA expects about $1.0M a year in losses across Harvey: $413K to buildings, the rest to people and crops.
Does Harvey flood? No paid flood claims on record
FEMA’s records show no paid flood insurance claims in Harvey. That’s not a promise: most homes don’t carry flood insurance, so small floods go unrecorded.
5 federal disasters brought FEMA money to Harvey
Disasters that paid out in Harvey itself (aid to households or repair grants to the City of Harvey), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2022Severe Winter Storm, Snowstorm, and Straight-line Winds$5K to the City of Harvey for repairs
- 2011Flooding$11K to the City of Harvey for repairs
- 2009Severe Storms and Flooding33 households applied for aid$14K aid approved$9K to the City of Harvey for repairs
- 2001Severe Storms, Flooding, and Ground Saturation$14K to the City of Harvey for repairs
- 2000Severe Storms, Flooding and Ground Saturation$41K to the City of Harvey for repairs
Wells County has had 26 natural disasters declared by the President since 1953, most often floods, then severe storms. Not counted: the 2005 Hurricane Katrina evacuee emergency, which covered counties that took in evacuees.
Old photos of Harvey after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the Harvey archive →Harvey and its neighbors
Harvey 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harvey | A−less damage than 76% | river and rain flooding | 0 |
| Wells Township | — | 106 residents; we grade 1,000+ | |
| Hillsdale Township | — | 32 residents; we grade 1,000+ | |
| Forward Township | — | 217 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 Harvey 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.
- Park in a garage or under cover when storms are forecast.
- Stay away from windows while it falls.
- Photograph roof and car damage for your insurer.
- 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 Harvey
Is Harvey at risk for natural disasters?
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Harvey has lower expected damage per building than 76% of U.S. towns: A− for hazard risk. Most of the expected damage is river and rain flooding (47%) and hail (22%). This is FEMA’s model of an average year for today’s buildings, not a forecast.
Is Harvey 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.
How much is flood insurance in Harvey?
FEMA’s Community Rating System list shows no discount for Harvey’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 Harvey?
By FEMA money that reached Harvey, Severe Storms, Flooding and Ground Saturation (2000): $41K to the City of Harvey for repairs.
Is Harvey at risk from river and rain flooding?
It is the largest share of the building damage FEMA expects here (47%), and Harvey’s rate for it is lower than 88% of U.S. census tracts.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in Harvey.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where Harvey’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.