Cameron County hazard data

Harlingen, TX Disaster Risk

FEMA rates relative riverine flooding risk for Cameron County as relatively high and reports FEMA annualized frequency of 2.333 per year for the area.

Tied #12 of 53 covered Texas cities for riverine flooding risk β†’FEMA relative score 99.2/100 Β· county scale

FEMA summary

Harlingen's riverine flooding risk is relatively high at county scale.

FEMA's profile for Cameron County reports FEMA annualized frequency of 2.333 per year for riverine flooding. FEMA's relative risk rating for the area is relatively high; the annualized frequency is a separate measure.

Hazard metrics cover FEMA county-equivalent geographies rather than individual addresses or parcels. Use local or state hazard maps before making a property, insurance, retrofit, or evacuation decision.

FEMA annualized frequency

2.333 per year

View hazard details ↓
FEMA area population
420,083
Data geography
County equivalent
FEMA relative score
99.2/100
FEMA source
v1.19.0

Explore hazards

Select a hazard to inspect FEMA's figures for Cameron County.

FEMA NRI profile

Riverine Flooding

Relatively High

FEMA combines its area-wide loss estimate and community data in this relative rating. Event frequency appears separately below.

Relative FEMA score

99.2/100

FEMA annualized frequency
2.333 per year
FEMA area loss estimate
$23M
Recorded events
56

How to read this

Occurrence thresholds vary by hazard. The FEMA methodology defines the value for each hazard.

The area loss estimate combines FEMA's modeled losses to buildings, population, and agriculture across Cameron County. It is not an estimate for a home or address.

City risk summary

Riverine flooding risk in Harlingen

For Harlingen, FEMA rates riverine flooding risk for Cameron County as relatively high, with a relative score of 99.2/100. The next highest relative scores are heat wave at 99.2/100 and hurricane at 98.8/100.

Using FEMA data for Cameron County, Harlingen is tied #12 among 53 covered Texas entries for riverine flooding risk; 2 entries share that score. Brownsville is about 20 straight-line miles from the Harlingen map point and uses the same FEMA geography.

What to check for riverine flooding

  • βœ“Check the current flood map, elevation information, and drainage history for the address.
  • βœ“Review flood coverage and the route to higher ground.
  • βœ“Keep utilities, documents, and irreplaceable items above likely water levels.

Household preparation

Official guidance β†—

For homeowners and movers

  • βœ“Confirm the exact hazard using official local maps before making property or insurance decisions.
  • βœ“Review policy exclusions, deductibles, and temporary-living coverage with a licensed professional.
  • βœ“Keep inspections, inventories, and critical documents in a secure location you can access after an emergency.

Preparedness actions

  • βœ“Know how local officials issue warnings and evacuation instructions.
  • βœ“Maintain water, food, lighting, medications, and communications for several days.
  • βœ“Create a household communication plan and practice it before an emergency.
Build your household checklist
Brownstone apartment buildings
Urban Survival

The Apartment Fortress

Living in Harlingen? Learn how to handle water storage, sanitation, and security in a small space.

Read the Guide β†’

Where this profile applies

The map shows Harlingen. All FEMA figures on this page cover Cameron County.

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City
Harlingen, TX
FEMA data area
Cameron County
County FIPS
48061

Questions about disaster risk in Harlingen

The FEMA figures cover Cameron County. Address-level conditions require local maps, building records, and property details.

How much riverine flooding risk does Harlingen, TX have?

FEMA rates relative riverine flooding risk for Cameron County as relatively high. Its FEMA annualized frequency is 2.333 per year. Damage at a specific address also depends on the building, soil, elevation, and exact hazard zone.

Where does Harlingen rank for riverine flooding risk in Texas?

Among 53 Texas cities covered by this directory, Harlingen is Tied #12 for relative riverine flooding risk based on FEMA's score for Cameron County. 2 covered cities share this rank because they use the same FEMA geography. Homes within Harlingen can have different soil, elevation, construction, and hazard-zone conditions.

Which natural hazards rank highest around Harlingen?

In FEMA's data for Cameron County, the highest relative ratings are Riverine Flooding (Relatively High), Heat Wave (Relatively High), and Hurricane (Relatively High). FEMA uses estimated losses and community data along with event frequency when assigning these ratings.

Are the disaster-risk numbers for Harlingen or Cameron County?

The hazard numbers cover Cameron County. For an individual home, check local fault, flood, fire, evacuation, and building records for the exact address.

Is Harlingen safe from natural disasters?

FEMA gives Cameron County an overall relative risk rating of relatively high. Conditions at a specific home depend on its hazard zones, building type, maintenance, insurance, and access to evacuation routes and emergency services.

What should a household in Harlingen do first for riverine flooding preparedness?

Start with this step: Confirm the exact hazard using official local maps before making property or insurance decisions. Know how local officials issue warnings and evacuation instructions. Use Ready.gov Be Informed and local emergency guidance for a complete plan.

Nearby city comparisons

Distances are measured between city coordinates.

CityDistanceRiverine Flooding ratingRelative score
Brownsville, TX20 miRelatively High99.2
Edinburg, TX30 miRelatively High98.0
McAllen, TX34 miRelatively High98.0
Mission, TX39 miRelatively High98.0

Relevant preparedness gear

Limited to products tagged for riverine flooding or general preparedness.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, this site may earn from qualifying purchases.

Sawyer Products Mini Water Filtration System

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Sawyer Products Mini Water Filtration System

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MARCHWAY Waterproof Dry Bag (20L)

GoBag

MARCHWAY Waterproof Dry Bag (20L)

Keeps critical documents and electronics dry if you have to evacuate through water.

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Leatherman Wave+ Multi-Tool

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Leatherman Wave+ Multi-Tool

18 tools in one. Essential for turning off gas valves or making repairs.

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Data sources

Hazard metrics come from FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 (March 2023). City population and coordinates come from SimpleMaps US Cities Database. For current conditions, use official local maps, warnings, inspections, and professional advice.