Natural Disaster Risk in Santa Elena
Texas
Risk Summary for Santa Elena
Santa Elena 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: Santa Elena, Texas
Located along the Gulf Coast in Starr County, Santa Elena is a small unincorporated community. The diverse climate that characterizes this part of Texas — marked by an exceptionally varied climate from humid subtropical in the east to desert in the west — directly influences the types and severity of natural hazards present, making Santa Elena a community where hazard awareness has real practical value.
Santa Elena's overall natural disaster risk is rated 5.8/10 (Moderate) by FEMA's National Risk Index. 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. Secondary hazards include wildfire and hurricane.
Relative to other U.S. communities, Santa Elena's natural disaster risk is above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10, near the 5.6/10 state average. The hazard distribution here is led by cold wave and wildfire, as measured by FEMA across Starr County. While city-specific sub-county variation exists, these scores represent the best available federal risk estimate.
With a moderate risk rating, Santa Elena residents are well-served by maintaining standard preparedness practices — an emergency supply kit, awareness of local hazard seasonality, and insurance that covers the top local risks. Periodic review of coverage for cold wave is recommended.
What this means for Santa Elena: Cold Wave preparedness
- 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.
- Protect pipes, pets, and plants, and ensure heating systems are serviced before winter.
Local Factors for Santa Elena
These city-level factors differentiate Santa Elena from other communities in Starr County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
158
RuralGeographic Zone
Gulf Coast
Hurricane, surge & flood risk
Climate Band
Warm Subtropical
Latitude 26.7°
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
26.6535° N, 98.5341° 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 Santa Elena
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in Santa Elena
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.