Brown County Disaster Risk
Brown County, Texas
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
65th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#91
of 254 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
73th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 73% 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 Low
Higher than 70% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 17% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 45% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Brown County, Texas
Brown County faces moderate U.S. risk
Brown County's composite risk score of 64.89 places it above the national average, driven primarily by significant wildfire and flood exposure. The county rates as Relatively Low overall, but ranks higher than many peers in wildfire vulnerability at 86.16.
Higher risk than most Texas counties
At 64.89, Brown County's composite risk score exceeds Texas's state average of 49.00 by 32 percent. This positions the county in the upper-middle tier of Texas natural disaster risk.
Wildfire sets Brown apart locally
Brown County's wildfire risk of 86.16 substantially outpaces neighboring Callahan County's 82.00, reflecting its geography and vegetation patterns. However, Brown's flood risk of 72.96 closely mirrors regional trends across Central Texas counties.
Wildfire and flood dominate here
Wildfires pose the most acute threat in Brown County, with a risk score of 86.16 that puts grassland and structures in direct danger during dry seasons. Flooding comes second at 72.96, particularly along creek systems during spring and summer storms.
Prepare for fire and water damage
Brown County residents should prioritize comprehensive homeowners insurance that covers both wildfire and flood damage, since standard policies exclude both. Consider clearing vegetation 30 feet from structures and ensuring your property is defensible against advancing flames.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Brown County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Brown County
Risk Verdict
With a national percentile rank of 65th, Brown County faces below-average hazard exposure relative to U.S. counties as a whole. Above-average risk does not mean imminent danger; it signals that informed, hazard-specific preparedness has high value here.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Brown County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 86th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 73th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (70th percentile), hurricane (45th percentile), earthquake (17th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 86th percentile nationally for wildfire risk, Brown County households benefit from creating defensible space — a buffer of reduced vegetation around structures — and reviewing whether homeowners insurance covers wildfire damage in this region. The county's flood exposure at the 73th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. Enrolling in the county's wireless emergency alert system and keeping a vehicle at least half-full during peak fire season are low-cost habits that dramatically reduce evacuation lag time for Brown County residents.
Regional Context
At 15.9 points above the Texas state average, Brown County carries meaningfully higher natural disaster exposure than a typical Texas county.
Is your household prepared for Brown County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Brown County, TX?
What types of natural hazards affect Brown County?
How does Brown County risk compare to the Texas average?
Is Brown County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Brown County higher risk than average?
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.