Photo: Billy Hathorn at en.wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0More hazard damage per building is expected in George West than in 72% of U.S. towns, mostly from river and rain flooding
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, George West gets a C for hazard risk: higher expected damage per building than 72% of U.S. towns. Most of that expected damage is river and rain flooding (62%), then hurricanes (29%). Flood insurance has paid 5 claims here since 1979.
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 George West 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
Hurricanes
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 George West’s grade
River and rain flooding is 62% of the building damage FEMA expects in George West, and George West’s rate of river and rain flooding damage is higher than 67% of U.S. census tracts. Cold waves add 2%, at a rate in the top 1% of U.S. census tracts.
C higher expected damage per building than 72% of U.S. towns (21,298).
George West’s residents live in 2 census tracts; FEMA’s figures are combined by where they live.
In dollars, FEMA expects about $1.4M a year in losses across George West: $698K to buildings, the rest to people and crops.
Does George West flood? Rarely: 5 flood claims since 1979
Every paid claim on a federal flood insurance policy in George West, from FEMA’s records: 4.3 per 1,000 homes, more than 56% of the 13,809 U.S. towns with a flood insurance record.
- The Torrential rain1 claim · $45K
- Hurricane Allen1 claim · $3K
George West isn’t in FEMA’s Community Rating System, which cuts flood insurance up to 45% in towns that do extra flood-proofing.
Insurance rates: Live Oak County.2 federal disasters brought FEMA money to George West
Disasters that paid out in George West itself (aid to households or repair grants to the City of George West), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2021Severe Winter Storms$11K to the City of George West for repairs
- 2003Hurricane Claudette168 households applied for aid$236K aid approved$27K to the City of George West for repairs
Live Oak County has had 18 natural disasters declared by the President since 1953, most often hurricanes and tropical storms, then severe 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 Live Oak County, 2009–2009.
Old photos of George West after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the George West archive →Get ready for what George West 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.
- The season runs June through November and peaks from mid-August to mid-October.
- Bring in porch furniture and anything the wind can throw.
- Fill the gas tank and charge phones before the storm arrives.
- 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 George West
Is George West at risk for natural disasters?
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, George West has higher expected damage per building than 72% of U.S. towns: C for hazard risk. Most of the expected damage is river and rain flooding (62%) and hurricanes (29%). This is FEMA’s model of an average year for today’s buildings, not a forecast.
Does George West flood?
Flood insurance has paid 5 claims in George West since 1979, $106K in all, or 4.3 per 1,000 homes, more than 56% of U.S. towns with a flood insurance record. 1 properties have flooded more than once. The most claims came from Torrential rain (1).
Is George West 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 Live Oak County, 2.0% of all homes carry federal flood insurance.
How much is flood insurance in George West?
FEMA’s Community Rating System list shows no discount for George West’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 George West?
By FEMA money that reached George West, Hurricane Claudette (2003): 168 households applied for aid, $236K approved, and $27K to the City of George West for repairs. By flood claims, Torrential rain: 1 paid, $45K.
Is George West at risk from river and rain flooding?
It is the largest share of the building damage FEMA expects here (62%), and George West’s rate for it is higher than 67% of U.S. census tracts.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in George West.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where George West’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.