Photo: Billy Hathorn · CC BY-SA 3.0FEMA expects less hazard damage per building in Athens than in 94% of U.S. towns, mostly from river and rain flooding
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Athens gets an A for hazard risk: lower expected damage per building than 94% of U.S. towns, #25 of 642 in Texas. Most of that expected damage is river and rain flooding (66%), then tornadoes (10%). Flood insurance has paid 10 claims here since 1980.
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 Athens 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
Hail
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 Athens’ grade
River and rain flooding is 66% of the building damage FEMA expects in Athens, and Athens’ rate of river and rain flooding damage is lower than 86% of U.S. census tracts. Next is tornadoes at 10% (higher than 60% of U.S. census tracts).
A #25 of 642 in Texas; lower expected damage per building than 94% of U.S. towns (21,298).
Athens’ residents live in 7 census tracts; FEMA’s figures are combined by where they live.
The typical Texas town has higher expected damage than 50% of U.S. towns; within the state, Athens has less expected damage per building than 96% of Texas towns.
In dollars, FEMA expects about $5.4M a year in losses across Athens: $1.8M to buildings, the rest to people and crops.
Does Athens flood? Sometimes: 10 flood claims since 1980
Every paid claim on a federal flood insurance policy in Athens, from FEMA’s records: 1.8 per 1,000 homes, fewer than 64% of the 13,809 U.S. towns with a flood insurance record.
- The 2026-06-Arthur-TS5 claims · $521K
- The Thunderstorms1 claim · $676
Athens isn’t in FEMA’s Community Rating System, which cuts flood insurance up to 45% in towns that do extra flood-proofing.
Insurance rates: Henderson County.7 federal disasters brought FEMA money to Athens
Disasters that paid out in Athens itself (aid to households or repair grants to the City of Athens), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2024Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding358 households applied for aid$1.7M aid approved
- 2021Severe Winter Storms345 households applied for aid$295K aid approved$60K to the City of Athens for repairs
- 2016Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding19 households applied for aid$28K aid approved
- 2015Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds and Flooding98 households applied for aid$210K aid approved$51K to the City of Athens for repairs
- 2011Wildfires5 households applied for aid$69K aid approved
- 2007Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding26 households applied for aid$31K aid approved1 flood claim paid that year
Show all 7
- 2005Hurricane Rita$9K to the City of Athens for repairs
Henderson County has had 19 natural disasters declared by the President since 1953, most often severe storms, then floods. Not counted: the 2005 Hurricane Katrina evacuee emergency, which covered counties that took in evacuees.
Old photos of Athens after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the Athens archive →Get ready for what Athens 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Know where neighbors sign up for alerts? Add it to the Handbook so everyone has it.
Questions about natural hazards in Athens
Is Athens at risk for natural disasters?
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Athens has lower expected damage per building than 94% of U.S. towns: A for hazard risk, #25 of 642 in Texas. Most of the expected damage is river and rain flooding (66%) and tornadoes (10%). This is FEMA’s model of an average year for today’s buildings, not a forecast.
Does Athens flood?
Flood insurance has paid 10 claims in Athens since 1980, $547K in all, or 1.8 per 1,000 homes, fewer than 64% of U.S. towns with a flood insurance record. 1 properties have flooded more than once. The most claims came from 2026-06-Arthur-TS (5).
Is Athens 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 Henderson County, 10% of homes in mapped flood zones carry federal flood insurance, and 0.6% of all homes do.
How much is flood insurance in Athens?
FEMA’s Community Rating System list shows no discount for Athens’ 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 Athens?
By FEMA money that reached Athens, Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding (2024): 358 households applied for aid, $1.7M approved. By flood claims, 2026-06-Arthur-TS: 5 paid, $521K.
Is Athens at risk from river and rain flooding?
It is the largest share of the building damage FEMA expects here (66%), and Athens’ rate for it is lower than 86% of U.S. census tracts.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in Athens.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where Athens’ 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.