Photo: Billy Hathorn · CC BY-SA 3.0On FEMA’s figures, Henderson faces less hazard damage per building than 79% of U.S. towns, mostly from river and rain flooding
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Henderson gets an A− for hazard risk: lower expected damage per building than 79% of U.S. towns, #108 of 642 in Texas. Most of that expected damage is river and rain flooding (53%), then tornadoes (22%). Flood insurance has paid 20 claims here since 1985.
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 Henderson’s natural hazards
From FEMA’s model and FEMA’s records, below.
What Henderson 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
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 Henderson’s grade
River and rain flooding is 53% of the building damage FEMA expects in Henderson, and Henderson’s rate of river and rain flooding damage is lower than 84% of U.S. census tracts. Tornadoes add 22%, at a rate in the top 8% of U.S. census tracts.
A− #108 of 642 in Texas; lower expected damage per building than 79% of U.S. towns (21,298).
Henderson’s residents live in 5 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, Henderson has less expected damage per building than 83% of Texas towns.
In dollars, FEMA expects about $3.5M a year in losses across Henderson: $2.0M to buildings, the rest to people and crops.
Does Henderson flood? Sometimes: 20 flood claims since 1985
Every paid claim on a federal flood insurance policy in Henderson, from FEMA’s records: 4.0 per 1,000 homes, more than 55% of the 13,809 U.S. towns with a flood insurance record.
- The Late winter severe storms1 claim · $55K
Henderson isn’t in FEMA’s Community Rating System, which cuts flood insurance up to 45% in towns that do extra flood-proofing.
Insurance rates: Rusk County.9 federal disasters brought FEMA money to Henderson
Disasters that paid out in Henderson itself (aid to households or repair grants to the City of Henderson), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2024Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding184 households applied for aid$588K aid approved
- 2021Severe Winter Storms247 households applied for aid$133K aid approved
- 2015Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds and Flooding393 households applied for aid$326K aid approved$237K to the City of Henderson for repairs
- 2011Wildfires6 households applied for aid$30K aid approved
- 2008Hurricane Ike155 households applied for aid$37K aid approved$100K to the City of Henderson for repairs
- 2007Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding1 households applied for aid$938 aid approved1 flood claim paid that year
Show all 9
- 2005Hurricane Rita$31K to the City of Henderson for repairs
- 2005Hurricane Rita$2K to the City of Henderson for repairs
- 2000Severe Winter Ice Storm$90K to the City of Henderson for repairs1 flood claim paid that year
Rusk County has had 21 natural disasters declared by the President since 1953, most often severe storms, then hurricanes and tropical storms. Not counted: the 2005 Hurricane Katrina evacuee emergency, which covered counties that took in evacuees.
Old photos of Henderson after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the Henderson archive →Get ready for what Henderson 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.
- 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 Henderson
Is Henderson at risk for natural disasters?
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Henderson has lower expected damage per building than 79% of U.S. towns: A− for hazard risk, #108 of 642 in Texas. Most of the expected damage is river and rain flooding (53%) and tornadoes (22%). This is FEMA’s model of an average year for today’s buildings, not a forecast.
Does Henderson flood?
Flood insurance has paid 20 claims in Henderson since 1985, $233K in all, or 4.0 per 1,000 homes, more than 55% of U.S. towns with a flood insurance record. 3 properties have flooded more than once. The most claims came from Late winter severe storms (1).
Is Henderson 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 Rusk County, 11% of homes in mapped flood zones carry federal flood insurance, and 0.3% of all homes do.
How much is flood insurance in Henderson?
FEMA’s Community Rating System list shows no discount for Henderson’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 Henderson?
By FEMA money that reached Henderson, Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding (2024): 184 households applied for aid, $588K approved. By flood claims, Late winter severe storms: 1 paid, $55K.
Is Henderson at risk from river and rain flooding?
It is the largest share of the building damage FEMA expects here (53%), and Henderson’s rate for it is lower than 84% of U.S. census tracts.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in Henderson.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where Henderson’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.