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

Bexar County Disaster Risk

Bexar County, Texas

FEMA Risk Rating

Relatively High

National Percentile

99th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#3

of 254 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

100th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Very High

Higher than 100% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Moderate

Higher than 92% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Very High

Higher than 100% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 62% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Moderate

Higher than 84% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Bexar County, Texas

Bexar County Ranks Among Nation's Riskiest

Bexar County's composite risk score of 99.43 earns a Relatively High rating, placing it in the top tier of American counties by natural disaster exposure. This major metropolitan area surrounding San Antonio faces exceptional combined hazard risk.

Texas's Highest-Risk County

Bexar County's 99.43 score is the highest among all eight profiled Texas counties and far exceeds the state average of 49.00. Its massive metropolitan footprint and geographic position create unparalleled vulnerability across all hazard types.

Significantly Riskier Than Surrounding Counties

Bexar County's 99.43 score dramatically exceeds neighboring Bandera (66.70), Blanco (33.02), and Atascosa counties. Its concentration of urban exposure and convergent hazard zones make it uniquely vulnerable in South-Central Texas.

Nearly Universal Hazard Exposure

Bexar County faces critical risk across all major hazards: tornado (99.90), flood (99.65), wildfire (92.37), and hurricane (83.52). This rare combination of top-tier vulnerability across every disaster type demands comprehensive protection.

Maximize All Available Coverage

Bexar County homeowners must carry maximum-limit policies for wind, flood, and wildfire—standard insurance falls dangerously short in this highest-risk county. Work with an agent experienced in metropolitan hazard exposure to ensure complete protection.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Bexar County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    TornadoPrepare
    100th percentile
  2. #2
    FloodPrepare
    100th percentile
  3. #3
    WildfirePrepare
    92th percentile

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

Local Resources

Risk Advisory: Bexar County

Risk Verdict

Bexar County ranks in the top tier for natural disaster risk nationally, with a composite score at the 99th percentile. Comprehensive household preparedness — including reviewing insurance, maintaining emergency supplies, and knowing evacuation routes — is strongly recommended.

Hazard Breakdown

Tornado risk is Bexar County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 100th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 100th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (92th percentile), hurricane (84th percentile), earthquake (62th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Bexar County ranks at the 100th percentile nationally for tornado exposure. Unlike many slow-onset hazards, tornadoes in Bexar County can reach full intensity in minutes; a pre-practiced household shelter plan matters far more than stockpiled supplies. Flood is the second hazard driver for Bexar County at the 100th percentile nationally, meaning households should maintain awareness of both severe-weather and flood-specific warning systems. Bexar County county emergency management typically publishes annual severe-weather preparedness guides tailored to local tornado patterns; households benefit from reviewing these before storm season begins each spring.

Regional Context

Compared to other Texas counties, Bexar County runs 50.4 composite risk points higher than the state mean — reflecting above-average hazard concentration in this area.

Is your household prepared for Bexar 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 Bexar County, TX?
Bexar County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Relatively High, placing it in the 99th 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 Bexar County?
Bexar County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: tornado (100th percentile), flooding (100th percentile), wildfire (92th percentile), hurricane (84th percentile), earthquake (62th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is tornado at the 100th 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 Bexar County risk compare to the Texas average?
Bexar County's composite risk percentile is 99th, compared to the Texas state average of 49th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Bexar County faces higher natural disaster risk than the typical county in Texas.
Is Bexar County at risk for tornado?
Yes, Bexar County's tornado risk is at the 100th percentile nationally. This places it in the top quartile for this hazard type. For flooding specifically, Bexar County is at the 100th 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 Bexar County higher risk than average?
Bexar County's composite risk score of 99th percentile is above the Texas state average of 49th percentile. This elevated risk is driven by tornado exposure (100th percentile), along with flooding and wildfire and hurricane and earthquake risk. Geographic location, terrain, climate patterns, and proximity to flood zones or fault lines all influence a county's risk profile.

Counties with Similar Risk

Dallas County

Texas

+0.2

Very High

100th percentile

Tarrant County

Texas

-0.3

Relatively High

99th percentile

Hidalgo County

Texas

-0.4

Relatively High

99th percentile

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.

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