More hazard damage per building is expected in West University Place than in 94% of U.S. towns, mostly from river and rain flooding
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, West University Place gets a D for hazard risk: higher expected damage per building than 94% of U.S. towns, #639 of 642 in Texas. Most of that expected damage is river and rain flooding (81%), then hurricanes (16%). Flood insurance has paid 403 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 stands out about West University Place’s natural hazards
From FEMA’s model and FEMA’s records, below.
What West University Place 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
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 West University Place’s grade
River and rain flooding is 81% of the building damage FEMA expects in West University Place, and West University Place’s rate of river and rain flooding damage is in the top 3% of U.S. census tracts. Next is hurricanes at 16% (higher than 89% of U.S. census tracts).
D #639 of 642 in Texas; higher expected damage per building than 94% of U.S. towns (21,298).
West University Place’s residents live in 3 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, West University Place has more expected damage per building than 100% of Texas towns.
In dollars, FEMA expects about $14.9M a year in losses across West University Place: $12.8M to buildings, the rest to people and crops.
Does West University Place flood? Yes: 403 flood claims since 1979
Every paid claim on a federal flood insurance policy in West University Place, from FEMA’s records: 75.2 per 1,000 homes, more than 95% of the 13,809 U.S. towns with a flood insurance record.
- Tropical Storm Allison151 claims · $4.8M
- Hurricane Harvey125 claims · $8.6M
- Hurricane Ike25 claims · $315K
West University Place isn’t in FEMA’s Community Rating System, which cuts flood insurance up to 45% in towns that do extra flood-proofing.
Insurance rates: Harris County.3 federal disasters brought FEMA money to West University Place
Disasters that paid out in West University Place itself (aid to households or repair grants to the City of West University Place), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2024Hurricane Beryl11 households applied for aid$5K aid approved1 flood claim paid that year
- 2017Hurricane Harvey8 households applied for aid$678 aid approved125 flood claims paid for it, $8.6M
- 2008Hurricane Ike4 households applied for aid$2K aid approved25 flood claims paid for it, $315K
Harris County has had 34 natural disasters declared by the President since 1953, most often floods, then severe 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 Harris County, 2011–2011.
Old photos of West University Place after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the West University Place archive →West University Place and its neighbors
West University Place has the lowest expected damage per building of the 2 graded towns here. Tap a town to see its hazards.
| Town | Hazard risk | Mostly (buildings) | Flood claims |
|---|---|---|---|
| West University Place | Dmore damage than 94% | river and rain flooding | 403 |
| Southside Place | Dmore damage than 94% | river and rain flooding | 27 |
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 West University Place 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.
- 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 West University Place
Is West University Place at risk for natural disasters?
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, West University Place has higher expected damage per building than 94% of U.S. towns: D for hazard risk, #639 of 642 in Texas. Most of the expected damage is river and rain flooding (81%) and hurricanes (16%). This is FEMA’s model of an average year for today’s buildings, not a forecast.
Does West University Place flood?
Flood insurance has paid 403 claims in West University Place since 1979, $14.9M in all, or 75.2 per 1,000 homes, more than 95% of U.S. towns with a flood insurance record. The most claims came from Tropical Storm Allison (151).
Is West University Place 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 Harris County, 48% of homes in mapped flood zones carry federal flood insurance, and 16.6% of all homes do.
How much is flood insurance in West University Place?
FEMA’s Community Rating System list shows no discount for West University Place’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 West University Place?
By FEMA money that reached West University Place, Hurricane Beryl (2024): 11 households applied for aid, $5K approved. By flood claims, Tropical Storm Allison: 151 paid, $4.8M.
Is West University Place at risk from river and rain flooding?
It is the largest share of the building damage FEMA expects here (81%), and West University Place’s rate for it is in the top 3% of U.S. census tracts.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in West University Place.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where West University Place’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.