Houston, TX Flood Zone Map
FEMA flood zone data for Houston. The map below shows high-risk areas (FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas) over local waterways and streets -- computed from the official FEMA National Flood Hazard Layer.
- High risk
- Moderate
- Lower risk
- Not mapped
Flood Zone Breakdown for Houston
About 10% of the mapped area in Houston falls within a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area (high-risk or moderate-risk flood zone). The breakdown by zone:
- AE 9% Zone AE
- A 1% Zone A
- VE 0% Zone VE
- AO 0% Zone AO
- X 90% Zone X
Where Flooding Comes From in Houston
Bayou and riverine flooding (Buffalo Bayou, Brays Bayou).
- Dry Crk
- Alcorn Byu
- Bullhead Byu
- Steep Bank Crk
- Mustang Byu
- Hickory Slough
- Marys Crk
- Robinson Byu
Flood Zone Details for Houston
| Zone | Risk level | Area | Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|
| AE | High-risk riverine or coastal flood zone with a computed base flood elevation (BFE). About a 1-in-100 chance of flooding each year. | 9% | Flood insurance is typically required for federally backed mortgages. |
| A | High-risk flood zone without a detailed BFE study. About a 1-in-100 chance of flooding each year. | 1% | Flood insurance is typically required for federally backed mortgages. |
| VE | Coastal high-hazard zone with wave action. This is the highest-risk designation -- expect storm surge plus breaking waves. | 0% | Flood insurance is required for federally backed mortgages and is especially important here. |
| AO | High-risk shallow flooding zone, typically sheet flow over sloping land. Depths are 1 to 3 feet above ground. | 0% | Flood insurance is typically required for federally backed mortgages. |
| X | Lower-risk zone outside the 1% annual chance flood boundary. Flooding is still possible but less likely than in high-risk zones. | 90% | Flood insurance is not required but may still be a smart choice -- nearly one-third of flood claims (29% over 2014-2024) come from lower-risk areas. |
Learn More About the Zones in Houston
Check YOUR Exact Address in Houston
The map above shows the broad flood zone picture for Houston. Your specific property may be in a different zone -- the only way to know for certain is to check your exact address.