Natural Disaster Risk — ZIP Code 78938
Ellinger, Texas
Risk Summary for ZIP 78938
ZIP 78938 scores 5.8/10 (Moderate risk), above the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Hurricane.
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: ZIP 78938, Texas
ZIP 78938 in Ellinger sits along the Gulf Coast. Its diverse climate produces an exceptionally varied climate from humid subtropical in the east to desert in the west, and notably overlapping tornado, hurricane, flood, and drought seasons. These conditions define the natural disaster environment for households across this ZIP code.
According to FEMA's National Risk Index, ZIP 78938 carries an overall risk score of 5.8/10, placing it in the moderate category. Hurricane and tropical storm exposure tops the local risk profile, with the community vulnerable to storm surge, high sustained winds, and flooding rainfall during the June–November season. The area also faces notable exposure to drought and tornado.
Within Texas, ZIP 78938's risk is, near the 5.6/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of Texas identifies hurricane as the foremost hazard, followed by drought and tornado. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.
With a moderate risk rating, ZIP 78938 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 hurricane is recommended.
What this means for ZIP 78938: Hurricane preparedness
- Keep at least a week of supplies on hand; power and water service can be disrupted for days after landfall.
- Wind damage is usually covered by homeowners insurance, but storm-surge flooding requires separate flood coverage.
- Know your evacuation zone and route before hurricane season begins each June.
Risk for the surrounding area
Local Factors for ZIP 78938
These city-level factors differentiate ZIP 78938 from other communities in Texas County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
270
RuralGeographic Zone
Gulf Coast
Hurricane, surge & flood risk
Climate Band
Warm Subtropical
Latitude 29.8°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Moderate — seasonal fire risk
Fire score: 5.6/10
Coordinates
29.8276° N, 96.7041° 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 78938
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.