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

Brazoria County Disaster Risk

Brazoria County, Texas

FEMA Risk Rating

Relatively Moderate

National Percentile

94th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#17

of 254 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

94th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Relatively High

Higher than 94% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Moderate

Higher than 86% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Relatively High

Higher than 97% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 46% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Relatively High

Higher than 97% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Brazoria County, Texas

Brazoria faces nearly double national risk

Brazoria County's composite risk score of 93.64 earns a Relatively Moderate rating and nearly doubles the national average. This Gulf Coast county ranks among America's highest-exposure areas to natural disasters.

Among Texas's riskiest counties statewide

Brazoria's 93.64 score towers 91% above Texas's state average of 49.00, placing it in the state's most hazardous tier. Few Texas counties face comparable multi-hazard intensity.

Highest risk in its coastal region

Brazoria (93.64) substantially exceeds nearby Brazos County (88.36) and Brooks County (60.81) in overall disaster exposure. Its Gulf proximity and low elevation create a uniquely hazardous setting.

Hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes converge

Hurricane risk of 96.91 and flood risk of 94.40 make Brazoria one of America's most hurricane-vulnerable counties, while tornado risk of 97.04 adds major severe-weather exposure. This trifecta of coastal and severe-storm hazards demands serious preparedness.

Flood and hurricane insurance are non-negotiable

Brazoria County residents must carry flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program and robust windstorm coverage—standard homeowners policies exclude both. Elevated construction, impact-resistant windows, and a reinforced shelter are essential investments in this highest-risk environment.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Brazoria County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    TornadoPrepare
    97th percentile
  2. #2
    HurricanePrepare
    97th percentile
  3. #3
    FloodPrepare
    94th percentile

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

Risk Advisory: Brazoria County

Risk Verdict

Brazoria County registers a moderately elevated natural disaster risk, ranking at the 94th percentile across all U.S. counties. High composite risk signals that multiple hazard types are elevated simultaneously; planning for more than one scenario is important in Brazoria County.

Hazard Breakdown

Tornado risk is Brazoria County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 97th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 97th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (94th percentile), wildfire (86th percentile), earthquake (46th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Brazoria County's primary hazard, tornado, ranks at the 97th percentile nationally. In Brazoria County, mobile homes and manufactured housing face significantly higher tornado risk than site-built structures; residents in these homes should identify the nearest permanent community shelter in advance. The secondary hurricane hazard at the 97th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Brazoria County's preparedness calendar, since hurricane and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. The highest-risk window for tornado fatalities is overnight, when Brazoria County residents may be asleep. A NOAA weather radio with overnight alert capability is the single most impactful low-cost preparedness step available to Brazoria County households.

Regional Context

Brazoria County falls 44.6 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 Brazoria 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 Brazoria County, TX?
Brazoria County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Relatively Moderate, placing it in the 94th 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 Brazoria County?
Brazoria County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: tornado (97th percentile), hurricane (97th percentile), flooding (94th percentile), wildfire (86th percentile), earthquake (46th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is tornado at the 97th 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 Brazoria County risk compare to the Texas average?
Brazoria County's composite risk percentile is 94th, compared to the Texas state average of 49th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Brazoria County faces higher natural disaster risk than the typical county in Texas.
Is Brazoria County at risk for tornado?
Yes, Brazoria County's tornado risk is at the 97th percentile nationally. This places it in the top quartile for this hazard type. For flooding specifically, Brazoria County is at the 94th 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 Brazoria County higher risk than average?
Brazoria County's composite risk score of 94th percentile is above the Texas state average of 49th percentile. This elevated risk is driven by tornado exposure (97th percentile), along with hurricane and flooding 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.