Brewster County Disaster Risk
Brewster County, Texas
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
21th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#189
of 254 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
34th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 34% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 89% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 15% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 27% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 28% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Brewster County, Texas
Brewster sits well below national disaster risk
Brewster County's composite risk score of 21.06 earns a Very Low rating and sits 57% below the national average. This remote West Texas county enjoys comparatively low exposure to natural disasters nationwide.
Among Texas's safer counties
Brewster's 21.06 score sits 57% below the Texas state average of 49.00, placing it in the lower-risk tier statewide. Its remote location shields it from many hazards affecting more populated regions.
Safer than most regional counterparts
Brewster (21.06) outperforms nearby Borden (5.69) only slightly but substantially beats Bowie (79.01) and Brazoria (93.64). Its isolated Big Bend location reduces exposure compared to more accessible counties.
Wildfire is the primary natural hazard
Wildfire risk of 88.68 makes this Brewster's dominant threat, reflecting the county's arid terrain and sparse vegetation. Earthquake risk (26.53) and flood risk (33.75) present secondary concerns, while tornado and hurricane threats remain minimal.
Wildfire and earthquake coverage recommended
Brewster County residents should ensure their homeowners policy includes wildfire protection and consider earthquake coverage given the county's geological setting. Defensible space around structures and evacuation planning are practical wildfire protections for this remote county.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Brewster County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Brewster County
Risk Verdict
At the 21th percentile nationally, Brewster County experiences relatively limited natural hazard pressure compared to most of the country. Residents of Brewster County can use the 21th 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 Brewster County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 89th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 34th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (28th percentile), earthquake (27th percentile), tornado (15th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Brewster County's dominant hazard is wildfire, ranked at the 89th percentile nationally. Maintaining at least 30 feet of lean, clean vegetation around structures in Brewster County and keeping gutters clear of debris significantly reduces ignition risk from wind-driven embers. The county's flood exposure at the 34th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. Brewster County's households benefit from reviewing homeowners insurance before fire season, specifically whether the policy covers replacement cost rather than actual cash value, and whether it includes additional living expenses if displacement is required.
Regional Context
A composite score 27.9 points below the Texas state average puts Brewster County in a better-than-typical position relative to neighboring counties.
Is your household prepared for Brewster County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Brewster County, TX?
What types of natural hazards affect Brewster County?
How does Brewster County risk compare to the Texas average?
Is Brewster County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Brewster 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.