Much of Jefferson County Is in a Flood Zone

Jefferson County is low and flat. The Neches and Sabine rivers, Sabine Lake, and the Gulf of Mexico all drain through or border the county. Tropical Storm Imelda in 2019 dropped over 40 inches of rain near Beaumont, triggering a federal disaster declaration for Jefferson County.

If your home is in a Special Flood Hazard Area (a FEMA Zone A or V), your lender will likely require a National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policy. Even properties outside those zones flood sometimes. You can look up any address on the FEMA Flood Map Service Center at msc.fema.gov. Also check the Jefferson County subdivision and floodplain regulations for rules about building in flood-prone areas.