Critical Risk Texas  ·  Hurricane / Storm Surge

Galveston County TX

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS & DISASTER RISK PROFILE  ·  LAST UPDATED: Mar 2026

10/ 10
Threat Score
Population
350682
Area
399
sq miles
Primary Hazard
Hurricane / Storm Surge
FEMA Disasters
65
federally declared

Galveston County is the highest-risk county in Texas and one of the most hurricane-vulnerable counties in the nation. Galveston Island itself sits barely above sea level, and Hurricane Ike in 2008 caused catastrophic storm surge that inundated the island. The 1900 Galveston Hurricane remains the deadliest natural disaster in US history.

// Risk Intelligence

Threat Score 10 / 10    Critical Risk
Primary Hazard Hurricane / Storm Surge
Secondary Hazard Flooding
FEMA Flood Zone Zone VE (Critical Risk)
Federally Declared Disasters 65
Last Major Event Hurricane Ike (2008)
Event Frequency Major event every 3–4 years

// Emergency Operations

Emergency Mgmt Phone (409) 766-2500
Emergency Shelters 19 designated facilities
Evacuation Routes I-45 North, TX-87 West, ferry evacuation routes

// Recommended Preparedness Gear

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// County Profile

County Galveston County TX
State Texas (TX)
Population 350682
Area 399 sq miles
FEMA Region Zone VE (Critical Risk)

// Other Texas Counties