riskbycounty
FEMA NRI 1.19.0Updated Nov 2023 · Coverage 2014–2023Methodology

Bee County Disaster Risk

Bee County, Texas

FEMA Risk Rating

Relatively Low

National Percentile

63th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#96

of 254 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

40th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Very Low

Higher than 40% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 62% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 65% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Very Low

Higher than 12% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Moderate

Higher than 91% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Bee County, Texas

Bee County Exceeds National Average Risk

Bee County scores 62.69 on the composite risk index, ranking as Relatively Low but above the national average. This South Texas county faces above-typical natural hazard exposure, primarily driven by coastal storm threats.

Above Texas State Average

Bee County's 62.69 score exceeds Texas's 49.00 state average, placing it in the higher-risk category statewide. Its proximity to the Gulf Coast creates unique exposure to tropical systems and related hazards.

Riskier Than Most South Texas Peers

Bee County's 62.69 score ranks higher than neighboring Jim Wells County and reflects its position between Gulf influences and inland plains. Its coastal exposure distinguishes it from more sheltered inland counties.

Hurricane Risk Dominates Bee County

Hurricane risk soars to 91.20 in Bee County, reflecting its South Texas coastal location and exposure to tropical systems. Tornado risk (64.92) and wildfire risk (61.80) add secondary but significant threats.

Prioritize Wind and Flood Insurance

With hurricane risk at 91.20, robust wind/hail coverage and a separate flood policy are essential for Bee County homeowners. Consider elevated coverage limits given the county's vulnerability to tropical storms and flooding.

Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Bee County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    HurricanePrepare
    91th percentile
  2. #2
    TornadoPrepare
    65th percentile
  3. #3
    WildfirePrepare
    62th percentile

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)

Risk Advisory: Bee County

Risk Verdict

At the 63th percentile nationally, Bee County experiences a manageable level of natural hazard risk that falls below the U.S. median. Bee County's risk profile calls for targeted preparedness, focusing on the hazard categories that dominate the county's score.

Hazard Breakdown

Hurricane risk is Bee County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 91th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 65th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (62th percentile), flood (40th percentile), earthquake (12th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Bee County's primary hazard, hurricane, ranks at the 91th percentile nationally. Having a designated out-of-area contact, a pre-packed go-bag with medications and documents, and a confirmed evacuation route reduces decision-making load when a storm intensifies rapidly. Bee County's tornado exposure at the 65th percentile nationally adds a hazard layer that can persist or intensify after hurricane-force winds have passed, particularly in low-lying inland areas. The National Hurricane Center's official forecast cone and local NWS office watches and warnings are the authoritative sources for Bee County storm tracking; households benefit from bookmarking these before storm season rather than relying on social media during an event.

Regional Context

Bee County falls 13.7 points above Texas's typical county risk level, which means the hazard environment here is notably more demanding than the state baseline.

Is your household prepared for Bee County's hazards?

Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.

FEMA Ready Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the natural disaster risk in Bee County, TX?
Bee County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Relatively Low, placing it in the 63th percentile nationally out of 3,144 counties. This composite score reflects the county's overall exposure to natural hazards including floods, wildfires, tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes, weighted by expected annual loss and social vulnerability.
What types of natural hazards affect Bee County?
Bee County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: hurricane (91th percentile), tornado (65th percentile), wildfire (62th percentile), flooding (40th percentile), earthquake (12th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is hurricane at the 91th percentile nationally. These scores are derived from FEMA's National Risk Index, which analyzes expected annual loss, social vulnerability, and community resilience for each hazard type.
How does Bee County risk compare to the Texas average?
Bee County's composite risk percentile is 63th, compared to the Texas state average of 49th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Bee County faces higher natural disaster risk than the typical county in Texas.
Is Bee County at risk for hurricane?
Yes, Bee County's hurricane risk is at the 91th percentile nationally. This places it in the top quartile for this hazard type. For flooding specifically, Bee County is at the 40th percentile.
How is natural disaster risk measured?
FEMA's National Risk Index (NRI) calculates risk scores for 18 natural hazard types across all U.S. counties and census tracts. The composite score combines Expected Annual Loss (estimated dollar losses from each hazard), Social Vulnerability (demographic factors affecting disaster impact), and Community Resilience (ability to recover). Percentile scores rank each county against all 3,144 U.S. counties, and risk ratings range from Very Low to Very High.
Why is Bee County higher risk than average?
Bee County's composite risk score of 63th percentile is above the Texas state average of 49th percentile. This elevated risk is driven by hurricane exposure (91th percentile), along with tornado and wildfire risk. Geographic location, terrain, climate patterns, and proximity to flood zones or fault lines all influence a county's risk profile.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

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.