Caldwell County Disaster Risk
Caldwell County, Texas
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
80th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#53
of 254 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
87th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 87% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 68% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 83% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 19% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 60% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Caldwell County, Texas
Caldwell County faces elevated U.S. risk
Caldwell County's composite risk score of 79.77 substantially exceeds the national average, ranking as Relatively Low but in the upper tier of county exposure. Flood and tornado risks drive this elevated profile.
Among Texas's highest-risk counties
At 79.77, Caldwell County scores 63 percent above Texas's state average of 49.00, placing it in the top tier for natural disaster risk. Tornado (82.86), flood (87.12), and wildfire (68.00) risks all outpace state averages.
Riskiest county in its cluster
Caldwell County's 79.77 score edges above nearby Burnet County's 76.62, making it the riskiest county in the Central Texas cluster. Its flood risk of 87.12 is particularly acute compared to neighbors.
Flooding and tornadoes dominate threats
Flood risk reaches 87.12 in Caldwell County, reflecting its position along the San Marcos River and vulnerability to spring storms. Tornado exposure at 82.86 makes spring months particularly hazardous.
Flood and tornado coverage non-negotiable
Caldwell County residents must carry separate flood insurance and comprehensive homeowners coverage—standard policies don't cover either threat. Elevating critical systems, installing a safe room, and maintaining drainage systems are vital protective steps.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Caldwell County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Caldwell County
Risk Verdict
Caldwell County has a below-average natural disaster risk profile, scoring at the 80th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. This risk level calls for more than general awareness: insurance coverage review, a family communication plan, and a prepared go-bag are practical priorities.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Caldwell County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 87th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 83th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (68th percentile), hurricane (60th percentile), earthquake (19th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Caldwell County's top natural hazard is flood risk, ranked at the 87th percentile nationally. Homeowners here should confirm whether they are in a FEMA-designated flood zone and check if standard homeowners insurance covers flood damage — it typically does not. The county's second-ranked hazard, tornado at the 83th percentile nationally, means Caldwell County residents face compounding risks from multiple natural hazard types during peak seasons. For most Caldwell County households, the highest-return preparedness step is storing critical documents in digital cloud backup combined with a pre-designated family meeting point if communication is disrupted.
Regional Context
Caldwell County's composite risk score sits 30.8 points above the Texas county average, placing it among the more hazard-exposed counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Caldwell County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Caldwell County, TX?
What types of natural hazards affect Caldwell County?
How does Caldwell County risk compare to the Texas average?
Is Caldwell County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Caldwell 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.