Kermit, TX: what USGS's seismic model says

USGS's ASCE 7-16 seismic design model - the same standard building codes use - places Kermit in Seismic Design Category B: Low seismic hazard. Code requires basic seismic detailing (bracing, connections) but no special structural system restrictions. Nationally, Kermit ranks above 57% of the 4,875 cities in this dataset for seismic hazard - the 57th percentile.

Kermit by the numbers

USGS's underlying values for Kermit: 0.103g peak ground acceleration, 0.182g at short period, 0.042g at 1 second. Within Texas alone, Kermit ranks 9 of 384 cities by seismic hazard - the 98th percentile in-state. Kermit has a population of about 5,909.

Retrofit economics for Kermit

A full earthquake retrofit typically runs $5,000-$10,000 nationally (around $7,000 typical), driven mainly by house size and foundation type, not by Texas specifically. California's Earthquake Brace + Bolt grant, which covers a large share of this cost, is a California-only program and does not apply in Texas.

Insuring against this, not just retrofitting

A Kermit homeowner cannot buy a standalone earthquake policy in most cases - it is added to an existing homeowners policy as an endorsement, so the place to start is a regular home-insurance quote.

Where Kermit's figures come from

Kermit's Category B and every number above trace to USGS's own ASCE 7-16 Design Maps service - see the methodology guide. See the category explainer for what Category B does and doesn't tell you about Kermit.