The highest flood-claim concentration in the country, riverine flash flooding plus Gulf storm surge.
39,170 properties statewide have flooded more than once under the NFIP, including 6,953 severe-repetitive-loss properties. 16 of 254 Texas counties rated high or very high for inland flood risk.
Where it floods, and why
Houston (Harris County)
Very High NRI risk100th pctile100 riverine
Harris County ranks at the 100th national percentile for overall risk and for riverine (inland) flooding; roughly half of all Texas NFIP payouts over the last two decades were in Harris County alone. Flat terrain, clay soils and rapid development drive repeat flash flooding well beyond the mapped coastal surge zone.
Galveston County
3,276 multi-loss homes496 severe-rep-loss60,611 claims since ’78$2.4B paid
Direct Gulf exposure and storm surge. FEMA has funded major Severe-Repetitive-Loss elevation here, a $31M grant elevated 224 homes at 90% federal cost-share, so verified elevation contractors and grant-experienced firms concentrate in this county.
Beaumont & Port Arthur (Jefferson County)
Jefferson and Orange counties, with Harris and Galveston, absorb the bulk of Texas NFIP payouts. Repeat hurricane and rainfall flooding (Harvey, Imelda) drives sustained elevation and floodproofing demand.
14 verified providers serving Texas Gulf Coast
Each cleared at least two independent sources. No paid placement.
How much does it cost to raise a house in Houston?
Home elevation runs about $20,000 to $80,000 for a typical project nationally, and $150,000 or more for complex or coastal work. Local ground conditions, foundation type and required height drive the number, so treat this as a range to check against a local quote, not a price.
Who can lift a house in Texas Gulf Coast?
We list 9 house-lifting or structural-moving firms serving Texas Gulf Coast, each confirmed against at least two independent sources. We are not affiliated with any of them and nobody pays to be listed.
Will FEMA pay to elevate my house in Texas Gulf Coast?
FEMA grants (FMA and HMGP) typically cover 75% of eligible cost, rising to 90% for repetitive-loss and up to 100% for severe-repetitive-loss properties. You apply through your community or state, not directly to FEMA, and funding is competitive rather than guaranteed.
Flood-risk figures are drawn from FEMA’s National Risk Index and NFIP datasets and reflect the most recent data we could source; verify current status at fema.gov before relying on a number for a financial or legal decision.