Photo: Renelibrary · CC BY-SA 4.0FEMA expects more hazard damage per building in Jefferson than in 74% of U.S. towns, mostly from river and rain flooding
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Jefferson gets a C for hazard risk: higher expected damage per building than 74% of U.S. towns. Most of that expected damage is river and rain flooding (53%), then ice storms (16%). Flood insurance has paid 25 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 Jefferson 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
Ice storms
Tornadoes
Hail
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 Jefferson’s grade
River and rain flooding is 53% of the building damage FEMA expects in Jefferson, and Jefferson’s rate of river and rain flooding damage is higher than 60% of U.S. census tracts. Ice storms add 16%, at a rate in the top 1% of U.S. census tracts.
C higher expected damage per building than 74% of U.S. towns (21,298).
All of Jefferson’s residents live in one census tract; the figures are that tract’s.
In dollars, FEMA expects about $1.8M a year in losses across Jefferson: $1.2M to buildings, the rest to people and crops.
Does Jefferson flood? Sometimes: 25 flood claims since 1979
Every paid claim on a federal flood insurance policy in Jefferson, from FEMA’s records: 21.9 per 1,000 homes, more than 85% of the 13,809 U.S. towns with a flood insurance record.
- The Late winter severe storms2 claims · $70K
- Hurricane Alicia1 claim · $2K
- Hurricane Ike1 claim · $62K
Jefferson isn’t in FEMA’s Community Rating System, which cuts flood insurance up to 45% in towns that do extra flood-proofing.
Insurance rates: Marion County.5 federal disasters brought FEMA money to Jefferson
Disasters that paid out in Jefferson itself (aid to households or repair grants to the City of Jefferson), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2021Severe Winter Storms7 households applied for aid$4K aid approved1 flood claim paid that year
- 2016Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding101 households applied for aid$561K aid approved$37K to the City of Jefferson for repairs2 flood claims paid that year
- 2011Wildfires87 households applied for aid$905K aid approved
- 2005Hurricane Katrina Evacuation$2K to the City of Jefferson for repairs
- 2000Severe Winter Ice Storm$39K to the City of Jefferson for repairs
Marion County has had 16 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.
Also 1 FEMA wildfire suppression grant (Fire Management Assistance, not a disaster declaration) for fires in Marion County, 2011–2011.
Old photos of Jefferson after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the Jefferson archive →Get ready for what Jefferson 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 Jefferson
Is Jefferson at risk for natural disasters?
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Jefferson has higher expected damage per building than 74% of U.S. towns: C for hazard risk. Most of the expected damage is river and rain flooding (53%) and ice storms (16%). The figures are for the one census tract the town shares with its neighbors. This is FEMA’s model of an average year for today’s buildings, not a forecast.
Does Jefferson flood?
Flood insurance has paid 25 claims in Jefferson since 1979, $418K in all, or 21.9 per 1,000 homes, more than 85% of U.S. towns with a flood insurance record. 2 properties have flooded more than once. The most claims came from Late winter severe storms (2).
Is Jefferson 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 Marion County, 0.3% of all homes carry federal flood insurance.
How much is flood insurance in Jefferson?
FEMA’s Community Rating System list shows no discount for Jefferson’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 Jefferson?
By FEMA money that reached Jefferson, Wildfires (2011): 87 households applied for aid, $905K approved. By flood claims, Late winter severe storms: 2 paid, $70K.
Is Jefferson at risk from river and rain flooding?
It is the largest share of the building damage FEMA expects here (53%), and Jefferson’s rate for it is higher than 60% of U.S. census tracts.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in Jefferson.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where Jefferson’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.