Flood Risk
El Paso County Now Has Its First Complete Digital Flood Maps
FEMA released revised preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps for El Paso County — the first complete set of digital flood maps the county has had.
FEMA released revised preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) for El Paso County in August 2025. FEMA describes these as the county's first complete set of digital FIRMs. The maps define Special Flood Hazard Areas — zones with the highest risk of flooding. If you own or buy property in one of these zones, your lender may require you to buy flood insurance.
El Paso gets less than 10 inches of rain per year on average, but when rain does fall, it can come in intense, fast bursts. Arroyos and the Rio Grande can rise quickly. Flash floods are the main hazard here. FEMA also notes that more than 25 percent of flood damage happens outside mapped high-risk zones, so even low-risk addresses can flood. Check the FEMA Map Service Center for your specific property.
Source to confirm: FEMA — Revised Preliminary Flood Maps for El Paso County