Baylor County Disaster Risk
Baylor County, Texas
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
17th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#199
of 254 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
16th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 16% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 65% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 34% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 20% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 31% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Baylor County, Texas
Baylor County Ranks Among Safest
Baylor County scores just 17.49 on the composite risk index, earning a Very Low rating and placing it among the safest counties nationally. This North Texas prairie county has minimal exposure to most major natural hazards.
Well Below Texas Average Risk
Baylor County's 17.49 score sits far below Texas's state average of 49.00, marking it as one of the state's lowest-risk locations. Only a handful of Texas counties share its exceptional safety profile.
Safest in the North Texas Region
Baylor County's 17.49 score edges out nearby Throckmorton (similar profile) and significantly beats regional averages. Its position on the stable North Texas plateau keeps it insulated from major disaster zones.
Wildfire Remains Notable Hazard
Wildfire risk (64.54) is Baylor County's primary concern, driven by grassland and dry conditions typical of the plains. Tornado risk (33.81) and hurricane risk (31.41) pose minimal threats by comparison.
Standard Coverage Sufficient Here
A standard homeowners policy with good wind coverage addresses Baylor County's modest risk profile. Ensure adequate liability and property limits, but flood insurance is not a priority given the county's low hazard exposure.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Baylor County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Baylor County
Risk Verdict
Baylor County's overall natural disaster score at the 17th percentile puts it well below the national median for hazard exposure. Residents of Baylor County can use the 17th percentile ranking as a baseline, while recognizing that individual properties may still lie in specific hazard zones that differ from the county average.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Baylor County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 65th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 34th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (31th percentile), earthquake (20th percentile), flood (16th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With wildfire ranked at the 65th percentile nationally, Baylor County is in a zone where air quality can deteriorate rapidly before structures are threatened. An N95 respirator and a HEPA air purifier are practical items for Baylor County households to have on hand before fire season. A secondary tornado exposure at the 34th percentile nationally means Baylor County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. Defensible space, insurance review, and an evacuation plan are the three preparedness pillars for Baylor County households — and the insurance review is the one most often deferred by Baylor County residents and most costly to skip when a fire event actually occurs.
Regional Context
Baylor County's composite risk score sits 31.5 points below the Texas county average, reflecting a more favorable hazard environment than the state typical.
Is your household prepared for Baylor County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Baylor County, TX?
What types of natural hazards affect Baylor County?
How does Baylor County risk compare to the Texas average?
Is Baylor County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Baylor County a safe place to live?
Data Source
Risk data sourced from the FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Risk scores are relative rankings (0–100) across all US counties — not absolute risk measures. Higher scores indicate higher relative risk compared to other counties.
Disclaimer: This data is informational only. It is not financial, insurance, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making insurance or real estate decisions.