Natural Disaster Risk — ZIP Code 78526
Brownsville, Texas
Risk Summary for ZIP 78526
ZIP 78526 scores 8.0/10 (Very High 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
High-risk area — review your coverage carefully
Properties in very high-risk areas often require specialized coverage that standard homeowners policies do not include. Consider flood insurance through the NFIP, wildfire-specific endorsements, or earthquake riders depending on your top hazards. Premiums in these areas can be significantly higher than average.
This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.
Natural Hazard Profile: ZIP 78526, Texas
Located along the Gulf Coast, ZIP 78526 serves the Brownsville community. The diverse climate of this part of Texas — bringing an exceptionally varied climate from humid subtropical in the east to desert in the west — directly shapes the hazard exposure for properties in this postal area.
ZIP 78526's overall natural disaster risk is rated 8.0/10 (Very High) 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 hurricane and heat.
Relative to other U.S. communities, ZIP 78526's natural disaster risk is well above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10, considerably above the 5.6/10 state average. The hazard distribution here is led by cold wave and hurricane, as measured by FEMA across Texas. While city-specific sub-county variation exists, these scores represent the best available federal risk estimate.
Given ZIP 78526's very high risk classification, residents should treat disaster preparedness as a year-round priority. This means maintaining updated homeowners and flood insurance, building a 72-hour emergency kit, knowing the evacuation routes for the primary hazards, and signing up for local emergency alert systems.
What this means for ZIP 78526: 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.
Risk for the surrounding area
Local Factors for ZIP 78526
These city-level factors differentiate ZIP 78526 from other communities in Texas County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
60,012
UrbanGeographic Zone
Gulf Coast
Hurricane, surge & flood risk
Climate Band
Tropical / Subtropical
Latitude 26.0°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Moderate — seasonal fire risk
Fire score: 8.6/10
Coordinates
25.9959° N, 97.4499° W
Population and coordinates from SimpleMaps US Cities data. Hazard scores from FEMA National Risk Index. Geographic classification derived from coordinates.
Recent Climate Data for ZIP 78526
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
Nearby ZIP codes
Other cities in Texas
Data source: FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). County-level data applied to ZIP codes within each county. Scores are normalized to 1–10 across all US counties. This information is for general awareness only — consult official emergency management resources and a licensed insurer for property-specific advice.