Photo: Leaflet · CC BY-SA 3.0More hazard damage per building is expected in Ransom Canyon than in 79% of U.S. towns, led by river and rain flooding
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Ransom Canyon gets a C− for hazard risk: higher expected damage per building than 79% of U.S. towns. Most of that expected damage is river and rain flooding (46%), then hail (26%). Flood insurance has paid 1 claim here since 2023.
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 Ransom Canyon 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
Strong wind
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 Ransom Canyon’s grade
River and rain flooding is 46% of the building damage FEMA expects in Ransom Canyon, and Ransom Canyon’s rate of river and rain flooding damage is higher than 56% of U.S. census tracts. Hail adds 26%, at a rate in the top 1% of U.S. census tracts.
C− higher expected damage per building than 79% of U.S. towns (21,298).
All of Ransom Canyon’s residents live in one census tract; the figures are that tract’s.
In dollars, FEMA expects about $4.1M a year in losses across Ransom Canyon: $465K to buildings, the rest to people and crops.
Does Ransom Canyon flood? Rarely: 1 flood claim since 2023
Every paid claim on a federal flood insurance policy in Ransom Canyon, from FEMA’s records: 2.0 per 1,000 homes, fewer than 62% of the 13,809 U.S. towns with a flood insurance record.
Ransom Canyon isn’t in FEMA’s Community Rating System, which cuts flood insurance up to 45% in towns that do extra flood-proofing.
Insurance rates: Lubbock County.2 federal disasters brought FEMA money to Ransom Canyon
Disasters that paid out in Ransom Canyon itself (aid to households or repair grants to the Town of Ransom Canyon), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2021Severe Winter Storms2 households applied for aid$5K aid approved
- 2010Hurricane Alex4 households applied for aid$13K aid approved$1K to the Town of Ransom Canyon for repairs
Lubbock County has had 15 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 Ransom Canyon after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the Ransom Canyon archive →Ransom Canyon and its neighbors
Ransom Canyon has the lowest expected damage per building of the 1 graded towns here. Tap a town to see its hazards.
| Town | Hazard risk | Mostly (buildings) | Flood claims |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ransom Canyon | C−more damage than 79% | river and rain flooding | 1 |
| Buffalo Springs Lake | — | 571 residents; we grade 1,000+ | |
Hazard risk = FEMA’s expected yearly building damage per dollar of building value, vs. the 21,298 U.S. towns we grade; the map is shaded by fifths of the same scale. Flood claims = paid federal flood insurance claims on record.
Get ready for what Ransom Canyon 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.
- Trim dead limbs over the house and driveway.
- Tie down trash cans and outdoor furniture.
- Stay clear of downed lines and call the utility.
- 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 Ransom Canyon
Is Ransom Canyon at risk for natural disasters?
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Ransom Canyon has higher expected damage per building than 79% of U.S. towns: C− for hazard risk. Most of the expected damage is river and rain flooding (46%) and hail (26%). 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 Ransom Canyon flood?
Flood insurance has paid 1 claim in Ransom Canyon since 2023, $33K in all, or 2.0 per 1,000 homes, fewer than 62% of U.S. towns with a flood insurance record.
Is Ransom Canyon 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 Lubbock County, 11% of homes in mapped flood zones carry federal flood insurance, and 0.8% of all homes do.
How much is flood insurance in Ransom Canyon?
FEMA’s Community Rating System list shows no discount for Ransom Canyon’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 Ransom Canyon?
By FEMA money that reached Ransom Canyon, Hurricane Alex (2010): 4 households applied for aid, $13K approved, and $1K to the Town of Ransom Canyon for repairs.
Is Ransom Canyon at risk from river and rain flooding?
It is the largest share of the building damage FEMA expects here (46%), and Ransom Canyon’s rate for it is higher than 56% of U.S. census tracts.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in Ransom Canyon.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where Ransom Canyon’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.