Memphis basement risk at a glance
| Basement Risk Index | 66 / 100 (HIGH) |
| Metro rank | #31 of 116 |
| Homes built before 1960 | 59% |
| Peak building era | Before 1940 (33% of homes) |
| Median year built | 1956 |
| Median home value | $213,300 |
| Median household income | $57,222 |
| Owner-occupied | 68% |
| Neighborhoods analyzed | 0 |
Memphis's score is modeled from U.S. Census housing data; no municipal flood records are integrated yet. The Basement Risk Index is built from U.S. Census housing data and documented flood records. See our full methodology.
When Memphis was built
Memphis's housing is concentrated in a single era, peaking in the pre-1940 decades at about 33% of today's homes; a large share of the stock, 59%, predates 1960. These are mid-range homes for the metro, and basements built before the 1960s typically lack the sump pumps, perimeter drain tile, and backwater valves that became standard later, leaving many on their original clay drain tiles.
How basement risk varies inside Memphis
Memphis is scored as a single community on the Index.
What this means for Memphis homeowners
Memphis carries high structural exposure. Many homes here are strong candidates for a sump pump check, a backwater valve, and improved drainage before the next big storm. Among its immediate neighbors, Memphis scores higher than Richmond Township, so the block next door is a better guide than any metro-wide average.
Why Memphis homes face basement risk
Basement risk in Memphis comes down to two things: how old its houses are and the clay beneath them. With a large share of its homes, 59%, built before 1960 and the biggest share going up in the pre-1940 decades, many sit on original clay drain tile, and southeast Michigan's dense clay holds water against those foundations rather than letting it drain. Communities in Memphis's risk band were among those hit hardest when the June 2021 storms put tens of thousands of metro Detroit basements underwater and triggered a federal disaster declaration.
How Memphis compares
Memphis's Index of 66 ranks #31 of 116 communities region-wide and sits above the metro Detroit median of 37. It runs higher than its nearby neighbor Richmond.
Does insurance cover it?
Often not. Standard Michigan homeowners policies commonly exclude sewer backup and groundwater unless you carry a specific endorsement. Before the next storm, it is worth reading our guide on whether insurance covers sewer backup in Michigan and checking your declarations page.
What to do about it
- Take preventative steps before the next heavy rain. Homes in this band have the highest documented exposure in the metro.
- Test your sump pump and add a battery backup, power fails in the same storms that flood. See what actually keeps a basement dry.
- Check for a backwater valve if your home predates the 1970s; sewer backup is the costliest version of basement flooding.
- Extend downspouts at least six feet from the foundation and keep gutters clear.
- Know what help is out there. Metro Detroit runs active flood-assistance and sewer-repair programs; see which are open right now.
Hiring in Memphis?
We keep public-record profiles of metro Detroit basement waterproofing contractors, drawn from their own listings and Michigan licensing records. No ratings and no pay-to-play, just the record. Browse the contractor records →
See Memphis on the full metro Detroit Basement Risk Index map →