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

Calhoun County Disaster Risk

Calhoun County, Texas

FEMA Risk Rating

Relatively Low

National Percentile

66th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#89

of 254 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

54th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 54% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 58% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 46% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Very Low

Higher than 13% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Moderate

Higher than 93% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Calhoun County, Texas

Calhoun County faces above-average risk

Calhoun County's composite risk score of 66.25 exceeds the national average, driven primarily by its coastal position and extreme hurricane exposure. The county rates as Relatively Low but masks concentrated coastal hazards.

Hurricane risk elevates statewide standing

At 66.25, Calhoun County scores 35 percent above Texas's state average of 49.00, with hurricane risk at 92.82 accounting for most of this elevation. The county's coastal geography creates this unique vulnerability profile.

Hurricane exposure sets it apart

Calhoun County's 92.82 hurricane risk far exceeds inland neighbors like Burleson County's 72.51, reflecting direct Gulf of Mexico exposure. Its overall 66.25 score sits between more protected inland counties and the extremely exposed Cameron County.

Hurricanes overwhelm other hazards

Hurricane risk dominates at 92.82, creating an acute threat during Atlantic basin season from June through November. Flooding (53.80) and wildfire (58.14) present secondary but lesser concerns.

Hurricane preparedness is paramount

Calhoun County residents must maintain hurricane-specific homeowners coverage and a separate flood policy, as wind damage alone reaches catastrophic levels. Install storm shutters, reinforce garage doors, and maintain a hurricane supply kit in this high-exposure zone.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Calhoun County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    HurricanePrepare
    93th percentile
  2. #2
    WildfirePrepare
    58th percentile
  3. #3
    FloodPrepare
    54th percentile

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

Risk Advisory: Calhoun County

Risk Verdict

Calhoun County ranks at the 66th percentile nationally for natural disaster risk — below the median for U.S. counties. Residents are encouraged to understand which hazards dominate locally and tailor their preparedness accordingly.

Hazard Breakdown

Hurricane risk is Calhoun County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 93th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 58th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (54th percentile), tornado (46th percentile), earthquake (13th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Calhoun County ranks at the 93th percentile nationally for hurricane risk. For coastal counties, wind-resistant shutters or impact-rated windows represent the highest single structural investment for reducing property damage. Wildfire, the county's second-ranked hazard at the 58th percentile nationally, represents an additional preparedness consideration for Calhoun County independent of hurricane season. For extended post-storm outages common in Calhoun County's hurricane zone, a portable generator (operated outdoors only) and a supply of non-perishable food for at least seven days provides meaningful household resilience.

Regional Context

Compared to other Texas counties, Calhoun County runs 17.3 composite risk points higher than the state mean — reflecting above-average hazard concentration in this area.

Is your household prepared for Calhoun 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 Calhoun County, TX?
Calhoun County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Relatively Low, placing it in the 66th 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 Calhoun County?
Calhoun County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: hurricane (93th percentile), wildfire (58th percentile), flooding (54th percentile), tornado (46th percentile), earthquake (13th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is hurricane at the 93th 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 Calhoun County risk compare to the Texas average?
Calhoun County's composite risk percentile is 66th, compared to the Texas state average of 49th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Calhoun County faces higher natural disaster risk than the typical county in Texas.
Is Calhoun County at risk for hurricane?
Yes, Calhoun County's hurricane risk is at the 93th percentile nationally. This places it in the top quartile for this hazard type. For flooding specifically, Calhoun County is at the 54th 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 Calhoun County higher risk than average?
Calhoun County's composite risk score of 66th percentile is above the Texas state average of 49th percentile. This elevated risk is driven by hurricane exposure (93th percentile), along with wildfire and flooding 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.