Photo: Renegomezphotography · CC BY-SA 4.0FEMA puts Bartlett’s expected hazard damage per building below that of 73% of U.S. towns, mostly from river and rain flooding
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Bartlett gets a B+ for hazard risk: lower expected damage per building than 73% of U.S. towns. Most of that expected damage is river and rain flooding (65%), then hail (15%). Flood insurance has paid 1 claim here since 2016.
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 Bartlett 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
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 Bartlett’s grade
River and rain flooding is 65% of the building damage FEMA expects in Bartlett, and Bartlett’s rate of river and rain flooding damage is lower than 66% of U.S. census tracts. Hail adds 15%, at a rate in the top 7% of U.S. census tracts.
B+ lower expected damage per building than 73% of U.S. towns (21,298).
Bartlett’s residents live in 2 census tracts; FEMA’s figures are combined by where they live.
In dollars, FEMA expects about $646K a year in losses across Bartlett: $339K to buildings, the rest to people and crops.
Does Bartlett flood? Rarely: 1 flood claim since 2016
Every paid claim on a federal flood insurance policy in Bartlett, from FEMA’s records: 1.5 per 1,000 homes, fewer than 69% of the 13,809 U.S. towns with a flood insurance record.
- The Spring severe storms1 claim · $45K
Bartlett isn’t in FEMA’s Community Rating System, which cuts flood insurance up to 45% in towns that do extra flood-proofing.
Insurance rates: Williamson County.3 federal disasters brought FEMA money to Bartlett
Disasters that paid out in Bartlett itself (aid to households or repair grants to the City of Bartlett), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2024Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding4 households applied for aid$4K aid approved
- 2021Severe Winter Storms26 households applied for aid$8K aid approved
- 2015Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds and Flooding1 households applied for aid$2K aid approved
Williamson County has had 16 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.
Also 4 FEMA wildfire suppression grants (Fire Management Assistance, not a disaster declaration) for fires in Williamson County, 2008–2011.
Old photos of Bartlett after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the Bartlett archive →Get ready for what Bartlett 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.
- 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 Bartlett
Is Bartlett at risk for natural disasters?
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Bartlett has lower expected damage per building than 73% of U.S. towns: B+ for hazard risk. Most of the expected damage is river and rain flooding (65%) and hail (15%). This is FEMA’s model of an average year for today’s buildings, not a forecast.
Does Bartlett flood?
Flood insurance has paid 1 claim in Bartlett since 2016, $45K in all, or 1.5 per 1,000 homes, fewer than 69% of U.S. towns with a flood insurance record. The most claims came from Spring severe storms (1).
Is Bartlett 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 Williamson County, 46% of homes in mapped flood zones carry federal flood insurance, and 1.1% of all homes do.
How much is flood insurance in Bartlett?
FEMA’s Community Rating System list shows no discount for Bartlett’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 Bartlett?
By FEMA money that reached Bartlett, Severe Winter Storms (2021): 26 households applied for aid, $8K approved. By flood claims, Spring severe storms: 1 paid, $45K.
Is Bartlett at risk from river and rain flooding?
It is the largest share of the building damage FEMA expects here (65%), and Bartlett’s rate for it is lower than 66% of U.S. census tracts.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in Bartlett.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where Bartlett’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.