Natural disasters can strike anywhere however, the Federal Emergency Management Agency knows some areas are more vulnerable than others like Lubbock County and Terry County. So what does FEMA data reveal about which Texas communities face the greatest risks, whether it be due to storm, fire, flood, or other calamities, such as winter weather?
To help answer that question, FEMA developed a National Risk Index, based on a variety of hazard-type risks measured and adjusted in relation to community factors, such as social vulnerability and community resilience.
Based on the National Risk Index, these 21 counties rank highest for hazard-type risks in Texas (with each county listed with its FEMA risk index score):
- Harris County: 80.62
- Cameron County: 50.79
- Dallas County: 42.07
- Bexar County: 39.95
- Galveston County: 38.94
- Hidalgo County: 38.06
- Starr County: 36.22
- El Paso County: 35.67
- Jefferson County: 35.67
- Tarrant County: 31.52
- Parmer County: 31.46
- Nueces County: 30.64
- Lubbock County: 27.66
- Terry County: 24.92
- Potter County: 24.86
- San Patricio County: 24.84
- Val Verde County: 24.84
- Matagorda County: 23.94
- Brazoria County: 24.25
- Montgomery County: 23.96
- Aransas County: 23.78
Texas’ average risk index score is 12.89 and the national average risk index score is 10.60.
Because of a tie at No. 8 between El Paso and Jefferson counties, it’s worth noting that Travis County, which ranks No. 22 among Texas counties, scored 22.92 on the index
Lubbock County (No. 13; Risk index: 27.66)
FEMA’s risk index score for Lubbock County is listed as “relatively high,” the 13th highest in Texas. Nationally, 97.2% of U.S. counties have a lower risk index score. According to FEMA, Lubbock County’s score is based on these factors:
Expected Annual Loss: Relatively High
Social Vulnerability: Relatively Moderate
Community Resilience: Relatively High
Top threats: Hail (49.38), winter weather (46.45); a strong wind (41.03); drought (41.86); tornado (36.14); cold wave (33.33); riverine flooding (28.14); lightning (23.05); ice storm (17.01); wildfire (13.22); landslide (8.80); earthquake (3.09); and hurricane (2.85).
Terry County (No.14; Risk index: 24.92)
FEMA’s risk index score for Terry County is listed as “relatively high,” the 14th highest in Texas. Nationally, 96.2% of U.S. counties have a lower risk index score. According to FEMA, Terry County’s score is based on these factors:
