Natural Disaster Risk in Rio Grande City
Texas
Risk Summary for Rio Grande City
Rio Grande City scores 5.8/10 (Moderate risk), above the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Cold Wave.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Scores
How it compares
Live Conditions
🏠 What this means for insurance
Average risk — standard coverage usually sufficient
This area carries average natural disaster risk. A standard homeowners or renters policy should cover common events, but review the exclusions for floods and earthquakes, which are almost never included by default.
This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.
Natural Hazard Profile: Rio Grande City, Texas
Rio Grande City is a city of approximately 44,741 residents in Starr County, along the Gulf Coast. The area experiences an exceptionally varied climate from humid subtropical in the east to desert in the west, with overlapping tornado, hurricane, flood, and drought seasons shaping the pattern of natural hazards that residents encounter. Understanding the local risk profile is essential for anyone living in, moving to, or owning property in Rio Grande City.
According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Rio Grande City carries an overall risk score of 5.8/10, placing it in the moderate category. Extreme cold snaps top the local risk profile, with Arctic front passages causing rapid and severe temperature drops that challenge both infrastructure and outdoor safety. The area also faces notable exposure to wildfire and hurricane.
Rio Grande City's risk score, near the 5.6/10 state average and above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Starr County, the highest-scoring are cold wave, wildfire, and hurricane. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.
Rio Grande City's moderate risk profile means that while catastrophic events are less frequent, they do occur. Standard homeowners insurance typically covers many common hazards here, but confirming that cold wave exposure is adequately protected is a worthwhile step for property owners.
What this means for Rio Grande City: Cold Wave preparedness
- Protect pipes, pets, and plants, and ensure heating systems are serviced before winter.
- Keep emergency heat and supplies ready in case of cold-related power outages.
- Dress in layers and limit exposure during extreme cold to prevent frostbite and hypothermia.
Local Factors for Rio Grande City
These city-level factors differentiate Rio Grande City from other communities in Starr County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
44,741
SuburbanGeographic Zone
Gulf Coast
Hurricane, surge & flood risk
Climate Band
Warm Subtropical
Latitude 26.5°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Moderate — seasonal fire risk
Fire score: 8.7/10
Coordinates
26.5394° N, 98.7399° W
Starr County
Population and coordinates from SimpleMaps US Cities data. Hazard scores from FEMA National Risk Index. Geographic classification derived from coordinates.
Recent Climate Data for Rio Grande City
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in Rio Grande City
Other cities in Texas
Data source: FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Scores normalized to 1–10 across all US counties. City scores inherit county-level FEMA data. For informational purposes only.