Local Insights Investigation

Your Flood Zone Just Changed — Here’s What It Costs You

FEMA released new flood hazard data for the Houston metro area. Tens of thousands of properties are being reclassified — and most owners don’t know yet.

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Zone Changes
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Entering High Risk
$2,350
Avg. Premium Increase
50,000 ac
New Floodplain
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Five numbers that tell the story of what’s changing

Source: FEMA Changes Since Last FIRM (CSLF) preliminary data for Houston metro counties (Harris, Fort Bend, Montgomery, Galveston, Brazoria). Floodplain acreage via Houston Chronicle / FEMA draft maps. Premium estimates from NFIP historical data; individual rates vary under Risk Rating 2.0. Claims data from FEMA Congressional testimony (2017–2019).

Where the flood lines are moving

Where Boundaries Shifted
Entering SFHA (higher risk)
Leaving SFHA (lower risk)
Click a dot for details
Counties by Impact

Where the biggest shifts are concentrated

Source: FEMA CSLF preliminary data. Maps show concentration of SFHA boundary changes. Neighborhoods identified via Houston Chronicle flood mapping project.

Check if your flood zone changed

Enter your Houston-area address to see your current FEMA flood zone designation and understand how the new draft maps could affect your property.

We query FEMA’s National Flood Hazard Layer in real time. Your address is not stored.

These maps are still in draft review. After FEMA publishes preliminary maps, property owners get a 90-day appeal window to contest designations. Final enforcement follows months later. Track the timeline →
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Current Zone
New Zone
What this means:

Source: FEMA National Flood Hazard Layer (effective) • Premium estimates based on NFIP historical data; individual rates vary under Risk Rating 2.0
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What This Actually Costs You
Monthly Premium Change
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per month added
Est. Home Value Impact
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based on median
Mortgage Impact
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for federally-backed loans
Premium estimates based on NFIP historical data. Actual rates under Risk Rating 2.0 vary by property. Home value estimates based on published academic research (Bin & Polasky 2004, Harrison et al. 2001). Not financial advice.

What’s at stake in the new flood zones

When FEMA redraws flood lines, insurance premiums shift, property values change, and mortgage requirements follow. Here’s the scale of what’s moving across the Houston metro.

SFHA Expansions by County
Source: FEMA Changes Since Last FIRM (CSLF) preliminary data for Harris, Fort Bend, and Montgomery counties. Data as of February 2026.

These maps are not final yet

FEMA’s preliminary flood maps go through a public comment period before becoming effective. You have the right to appeal, comment, and protect your property designation.

Check Your Address →