Galveston Disaster Risk Score & Hazard Analysis
With a population of 202,810 and a calculated risk score of 99.3, Galveston faces unique challenges. This page is a complete hazard risk assessment for Galveston, TX. Living in Galveston offers a unique lifestyle. But like any location, it has local climate challenges. The most significant threat to be aware of is river flooding.
Total Risk Score
With a calculated Risk Score of 99.314, Galveston requires specific preparation. The data highlights River Flooding as the most critical threat to mitigate.
Top Hazards for The Galveston Area
Within the specific ecosystem of Texas, river flooding frequency is a defining characteristic of the local hazard profile. As a result, historical probability models result in a localized score of 100.0/100. Residents in low-lying zones should have evacuation routes mapped out well in advance.
Considering the historical weather trends in Texas, data indicates that Galveston has a higher-than-average exposure to lightning. It is important to note that this metric (score: 98.6) aligns with federal disaster declarations for the county. Keeping trees trimmed near power lines reduces the risk of prolonged outages.
As part of the wider Texas region, the threat of hurricanes should not be underestimated. However, this quantitative assessment yields a precise risk factor of 98.3. Flood insurance is highly recommended, even for those technically outside the 100-year floodplain.
The Apartment Fortress
Living in Galveston? Learn how to handle water storage, sanitation, and security in a small space.
How to Prepare in Galveston
Read the Full Guide →General preparedness is critical for Galveston. While specific risks vary, the fundamentals of survival—water, food, and information—remain the same.
Critical Action Checklist
- 1Keep a physical map of the local area in case GPS fails.
- 2Maintain a 3-day supply of non-perishable food and water.
- 3Have a first aid kit and a supply of prescription medications.
- 4Keep a battery-powered radio to stay informed during power outages.
- 5Establish a family communication plan for when cell towers are down.
Essential Gear for Galveston
Water
Sawyer Products Mini Water Filtration System
Filters up to 100,000 gallons. Essential when tap water is compromised.
Power
Jackery Explorer 300
Keep phones and laptops charged during multi-day outages.
Power
Petzl Actik Core Headlamp
600 lumens and rechargeable. Hands-free lighting is critical during power outages.
Do not wait for a River Flooding warning to start packing. Secure your essential gear today.
View Complete Gear Checklist →Compare Nearby Cities
| City | Risk Score | Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| Houston | 100.0 | Choosing between Galveston and Houston? Galveston presents a lower overall risk profile. |
| Dallas | 98.7 | When compared to Dallas, Galveston is slightly higher risk. The difference of 0.6 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
| San Antonio | 97.5 | San Antonio and Galveston share similar regional risks, but our data gives San Antonio the edge in overall safety. |
| Austin | 95.6 | When compared to Austin, Galveston is slightly higher risk. The difference of 3.8 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
| Fort Worth | 98.3 | Choosing between Galveston and Fort Worth? Galveston presents a unique set of challenges. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How common are River Floodings in Galveston?
With a risk score of 100.0 for River Flooding, Galveston is considered highly vulnerable. Residents should have a specific plan for River Flooding events, which are the primary driver of the city's overall risk profile.
Is Galveston safer than other cities in Texas?
It varies by hazard. While Galveston has its own risk profile (Total Score: 99.3), it is among the higher-risk areas in Texas. See our state rankings for a direct comparison.
Should I move to Galveston given the risk of Lightning?
Every city has risks. The threat of Lightning (Score: 98.6) is manageable with proper preparation. The local infrastructure in Galveston is designed to handle this, but personal insurance and a 'go-bag' are recommended.
How does Galveston compare to other cities in Texas?
See the full Texas Disaster Rankings to see how Galveston stacks up against other cities in the state.