Sunset Valley, Texas Flood Zones
Last updated: March 2026
Sunset Valley faces flash flooding from Williamson Creek in Travis County. Intense thunderstorms along the Balcones Escarpment produce rapid runoff through this small Austin-area community.
Travis County has recorded 4,412 NFIP flood insurance claims since 1978, totaling $114.4M in payouts. Explore the full NFIP claims data by state and county to see how this area compares nationally.
FEMA Region
Region 6
NFIP Policies
10,256
Travis County
Avg. Premium
$723/yr
Travis County
FEMA Flood Risk Profile: Travis County
Based on FEMA's National Risk Index, which evaluates flood risk at the county level using historical loss data, exposure, and vulnerability.
Inland Flood Risk
Relatively HighEst. annual loss: $214.2M
Hurricane Risk
Relatively LowEst. annual loss: $1.6M
Source: FEMA National Risk Index, county-level assessment. Individual property risk may vary.
Federal Flood Disaster History: Travis County
Travis County has been included in 15 federal flood-related disaster declarations.
...and 7 earlier declarations since 1991.
These declarations affected communities across Travis County, including Sunset Valley.
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries API. Data sourced February 2026.
NFIP Flood Insurance Claims: Travis County
Properties in Travis County have filed 4,412 NFIP flood insurance claims totaling $114.4M in payouts since 1978. The average claim payout is $26K.
Highest-Claim Years
2013
715 claims - $40.6M
2015
582 claims - $23.7M
2001
485 claims - $9.5M
Claims by Flood Zone
Source: OpenFEMA NFIP Claims API. Data sourced March 2026. See national claims data.
What Your Flood Zone Means in Sunset Valley
Sunset Valley is vulnerable to flash flooding, where intense rainfall overwhelms drainage systems and sends water rushing through streets, arroyos, or low-lying areas within minutes. Unlike river flooding, flash floods arrive with little warning and can be deadly in urban areas and desert terrain. The most common FEMA flood zone designations in Sunset Valley are Zone AE, Zone X. FEMA's National Risk Index estimates the county's annual expected loss from inland flooding at over $214.2M.
Flash flood risk is difficult to predict by zone alone because intense localized rainfall can flood areas outside mapped SFHA boundaries. Under Risk Rating 2.0, FEMA accounts for distance to water, drainage characteristics, and rainfall intensity, not just the flood zone line on a map. If your property is in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) and you have a federally regulated or government-backed mortgage, federal law generally requires your lender to ensure you carry flood insurance.
Flash flood zone boundaries may shift when FEMA updates its stormwater drainage studies or when new development changes runoff patterns. Urbanization, in particular, increases impervious surface area and can expand flood risk into previously unaffected neighborhoods. Use our free lookup tool to check the current flood zone for any Sunset Valley address.
Flood Insurance Discount: Sunset Valley
Sunset Valley participates in FEMA's Community Rating System (CRS), a voluntary program that rewards communities for flood mitigation efforts beyond minimum NFIP requirements. Residents in the Special Flood Hazard Area may qualify for reduced flood insurance premiums.
CRS Class
Class 7
SFHA Premium Discount
15% off
CRS classes range from 1 (best) to 10 (no discount). Sunset Valley's Class 7 rating means NFIP policyholders in the SFHA can receive up to a 15% discount on their flood insurance premiums. Properties outside the SFHA may receive a 5% discount.
Source: FEMA Community Rating System, October 2025. Discounts apply to NFIP policies only.
Sunset Valley, TX Flood Zone FAQ
What flood zones are in Sunset Valley, TX?
The most common FEMA flood zones in Sunset Valley are Zone AE, Zone X. Properties in these high-risk zones (SFHA) may require flood insurance with a federally regulated or government-backed mortgage.
Is flood insurance required in Sunset Valley?
If your Sunset Valley property is in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) and you have a federally regulated or government-backed mortgage, federal law generally requires your lender to ensure you carry flood insurance. Properties in Zone X are not federally required to carry flood insurance, though coverage is still recommended since over 40% of all NFIP flood claims come from Zone X properties.
How do I check my flood zone in Sunset Valley?
Enter your Sunset Valley address in the search tool above for an instant flood zone determination. Results include your FEMA flood zone, SFHA status, base flood elevation (if available), and FIRM panel information, pulled directly from FEMA's National Flood Hazard Layer.
Does Sunset Valley offer flood insurance discounts?
Yes. Sunset Valley participates in FEMA's Community Rating System (CRS) with a Class 7 rating, qualifying residents in the Special Flood Hazard Area for up to a 15% discount on NFIP flood insurance premiums. Properties outside the SFHA may receive a 5% discount.
Has Sunset Valley experienced major flooding events?
Travis County, where Sunset Valley is located, has been part of 15 federal disaster declarations for flooding, hurricanes, or severe storms. The most recent was Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding in 2025. Federal disaster declarations are issued when flooding overwhelms local resources and triggers FEMA assistance programs.
How many flood insurance claims have been filed in Sunset Valley?
Travis County has recorded 4,412 NFIP flood insurance claims totaling $114.4M in payouts since 1978. The year with the most claims was 2013, with 715 claims and $40.6M in payouts. These figures cover all NFIP claims in the county, including Sunset Valley.
How many flood insurance policies are active in Sunset Valley?
Travis County currently has 10,256 active NFIP flood insurance policies with an average annual premium of $723. The most policies are in Zone AE (5,515 policies). These figures cover all active NFIP policies in the county.
Can my Sunset Valley property be removed from a high-risk flood zone?
Yes, if your property's natural ground elevation is above the Base Flood Elevation and FEMA inadvertently mapped it in a high-risk zone, you can apply for a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA). A successful LOMA removes the property from the Special Flood Hazard Area, generally eliminating the federal mandatory flood insurance requirement. You will need an elevation certificate from a licensed surveyor. If a property was raised above the BFE with fill material, the process is a LOMR-F rather than a LOMA.
What is Base Flood Elevation in Sunset Valley?
Base Flood Elevation (BFE) is the predicted height of floodwaters during a 1% annual chance (100-year) flood, shown on FEMA maps as an elevation number in feet above sea level. In Sunset Valley's Zone AE areas, BFE lines appear on the FIRM as wavy contours labeled with elevation values. Properties with a lowest floor at or above the BFE typically qualify for significantly lower NFIP flood insurance premiums.
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Disclaimer: Flood risk data on this page is sourced from FEMA datasets including the National Risk Index, NFIP claims and policy records, disaster declarations, and the Community Rating System. These datasets were last extracted on March 2026 and may not reflect the most recent changes. This page is for informational purposes only and is not a certified flood zone determination. Always verify current flood zone status through FEMA or a licensed determination provider before making property, insurance, or lending decisions.