On FEMA’s figures, few U.S. towns expect less hazard damage per building than Vinton, mostly from river and rain flooding
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Vinton gets an A+ for hazard risk: among the lowest expected damage per building of U.S. towns. Most of that expected damage is river and rain flooding (65%), then hail (26%). Flood insurance has paid 1 claim here since 2014.
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 Vinton 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
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 Vinton’s grade
River and rain flooding is 65% of the building damage FEMA expects in Vinton, and Vinton’s rate of river and rain flooding damage is lower than 95% of U.S. census tracts. Hail adds 26%, at a rate in the top 7% of U.S. census tracts.
A+ among the lowest expected damage per building of U.S. towns (21,298).
Vinton’s residents live in 3 census tracts; FEMA’s figures are combined by where they live.
In dollars, FEMA expects about $290K a year in losses across Vinton: $181K to buildings, the rest to people and crops.
Does Vinton flood? Rarely: 1 flood claim since 2014
Every paid claim on a federal flood insurance policy in Vinton, from FEMA’s records: 1.7 per 1,000 homes, fewer than 66% of the 13,809 U.S. towns with a flood insurance record.
Vinton isn’t in FEMA’s Community Rating System, which cuts flood insurance up to 45% in towns that do extra flood-proofing.
Insurance rates: El Paso County.1 federal disaster brought FEMA money to Vinton
Disasters that paid out in Vinton itself (aid to households or repair grants to the Village of Vinton), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2006Severe Storms and Flooding109 households applied for aid$225K aid approved$53K to the Village of Vinton for repairs
El Paso County has had 10 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 Vinton after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the Vinton archive →Vinton and its neighbors
Vinton has the lowest expected damage per building of the 4 graded towns here. Tap a town to see its hazards.
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 Vinton 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.
- 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 Vinton
Is Vinton at risk for natural disasters?
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Vinton has among the lowest expected damage per building of U.S. towns: A+ for hazard risk. Most of the expected damage is river and rain flooding (65%) and hail (26%). This is FEMA’s model of an average year for today’s buildings, not a forecast.
Does Vinton flood?
Flood insurance has paid 1 claim in Vinton since 2014, $12K in all, or 1.7 per 1,000 homes, fewer than 66% of U.S. towns with a flood insurance record.
Is Vinton 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 El Paso County, 1.1% of all homes carry federal flood insurance.
How much is flood insurance in Vinton?
FEMA’s Community Rating System list shows no discount for Vinton’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 Vinton?
By FEMA money that reached Vinton, Severe Storms and Flooding (2006): 109 households applied for aid, $225K approved, and $53K to the Village of Vinton for repairs.
Is Vinton at risk from river and rain flooding?
It is the largest share of the building damage FEMA expects here (65%), and Vinton’s rate for it is lower than 95% of U.S. census tracts.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in Vinton.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where Vinton’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.