Texas natural disaster risk
Texas ranks #39 of 51 from safest. Its biggest relative risks are heat wave, tornado, hail.
The vertical line marks the middle of U.S. counties (50).
Risk in Texas's largest counties
| County | Population | Risk score | FEMA rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harris County | 4,838,303 | 99.9 | Very High |
| Dallas County | 2,621,179 | 99.7 | Very High |
| Tarrant County | 2,167,390 | 99.1 | Relatively High |
| Bexar County | 2,067,341 | 99.4 | Relatively High |
| Travis County | 1,330,015 | 97.7 | Relatively High |
| Collin County | 1,163,337 | 98.9 | Relatively High |
| Denton County | 979,561 | 96.9 | Relatively High |
| Fort Bend County | 893,767 | 97.5 | Relatively High |
| Hidalgo County | 891,977 | 99.0 | Relatively High |
| El Paso County | 870,779 | 95.5 | Relatively High |
| Montgomery County | 684,432 | 95.7 | Relatively High |
| Williamson County | 672,688 | 90.1 | Relatively Moderate |
| Cameron County | 426,120 | 97.3 | Relatively High |
| Brazoria County | 391,255 | 93.6 | Relatively Moderate |
| Bell County | 386,897 | 91.1 | Relatively Moderate |
| Galveston County | 358,990 | 95.4 | Relatively High |
| Nueces County | 352,955 | 96.6 | Relatively High |
| Lubbock County | 318,884 | 96.2 | Relatively High |
| Webb County | 269,294 | 89.2 | Relatively Moderate |
| Hays County | 268,638 | 90.6 | Relatively Moderate |
| McLennan County | 266,067 | 91.2 | Relatively Moderate |
| Jefferson County | 253,878 | 95.7 | Relatively High |
| Brazos County | 242,311 | 88.4 | Relatively Moderate |
| Smith County | 241,740 | 84.2 | Relatively Moderate |
| Ellis County | 213,160 | 81.6 | Relatively Moderate |
County scores are averages, and the insurance figure above is what owners with a mortgage reported paying in 2024 (Census American Community Survey); premiums have risen since, especially in high-risk areas. For a specific home, check the address on FEMA's flood map and get insurance quotes before you commit. Our guide explains how to check natural disaster risk before you move.
Lowest-risk counties in Texas
- Lampasas County 29.9
- Jones County 37.9
- Titus County 46.8
- Cass County 50.8
- Hockley County 51.4
- Chambers County 51.8
- Austin County 53.1
- Rusk County 54.0
Cities in Texas
- Dallas, TX risk 96.5
- Houston, TX risk 97.6
- San Antonio, TX risk 95.8
- Austin, TX risk 93.9
- McAllen, TX risk 99
- El Paso, TX risk 95.1
- Killeen, TX risk 83.5
Frequently asked questions
Is Texas safe from natural disasters?
Texas's population-weighted FEMA risk score is 91 out of 100 (among the highest of U.S. counties), #39 of 51 from safest. About 67% of residents live in counties FEMA rates relatively high or very high.
What natural disasters happen in Texas?
The highest relative risks in Texas are heat wave, tornado, hail (national percentile scores 92, 91, 90).
Where is the safest place to live in Texas?
Among counties with at least 20,000 people, the lowest FEMA risk scores are in Lampasas County, Jones County, Titus County.