River Oaks’s building-damage rate from hail is in the top 2% of U.S. census tracts
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, River Oaks gets a B− for hazard risk: lower expected damage per building than 52% of U.S. towns, #304 of 642 in Texas. Most of that expected damage is river and rain flooding (58%), then hail (28%). Flood insurance has paid 4 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 River Oaks 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 River Oaks’ grade
River and rain flooding is 58% of the building damage FEMA expects in River Oaks, and River Oaks’ rate of river and rain flooding damage is lower than 58% of U.S. census tracts. Hail adds 28%, at a rate in the top 2% of U.S. census tracts.
B− #304 of 642 in Texas; lower expected damage per building than 52% of U.S. towns (21,298).
All of River Oaks’ residents live in one census tract; the figures are that tract’s.
The typical Texas town has higher expected damage than 50% of U.S. towns; within the state, River Oaks has less expected damage per building than 53% of Texas towns.
In dollars, FEMA expects about $1.6M a year in losses across River Oaks: $983K to buildings, the rest to people and crops.
Does River Oaks flood? Rarely: 4 flood claims since 1979
Every paid claim on a federal flood insurance policy in River Oaks, from FEMA’s records: 1.6 per 1,000 homes, fewer than 68% of the 13,809 U.S. towns with a flood insurance record.
River Oaks isn’t in FEMA’s Community Rating System, which cuts flood insurance up to 45% in towns that do extra flood-proofing.
Insurance rates: Tarrant County.2 federal disasters brought FEMA money to River Oaks
Disasters that paid out in River Oaks itself (aid to households or repair grants to the City of River Oaks), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2021Severe Winter Storms32 households applied for aid$19K aid approved
- 2000Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding$44K to the City of River Oaks for repairs
Tarrant 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.
Also 1 FEMA wildfire suppression grant (Fire Management Assistance, not a disaster declaration) for fires in Tarrant County, 2005–2005.
Old photos of River Oaks after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the River Oaks archive →Get ready for what River Oaks 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 River Oaks
Is River Oaks at risk for natural disasters?
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, River Oaks has lower expected damage per building than 52% of U.S. towns: B− for hazard risk, #304 of 642 in Texas. Most of the expected damage is river and rain flooding (58%) and hail (28%). 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 River Oaks flood?
Flood insurance has paid 4 claims in River Oaks since 1979, $67K in all, or 1.6 per 1,000 homes, fewer than 68% of U.S. towns with a flood insurance record.
Is River Oaks 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 Tarrant County, 0.9% of all homes carry federal flood insurance.
How much is flood insurance in River Oaks?
FEMA’s Community Rating System list shows no discount for River Oaks’ 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 River Oaks?
By FEMA money that reached River Oaks, Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding (2000): $44K to the City of River Oaks for repairs.
Is River Oaks at risk from river and rain flooding?
It is the largest share of the building damage FEMA expects here (58%), and River Oaks’ rate for it is lower than 58% of U.S. census tracts.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in River Oaks.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where River Oaks’ 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.