Cameron County Disaster Risk
Cameron County, Texas
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively High
National Percentile
97th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#9
of 254 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
93th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 93% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 84% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 85% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 50% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively High
Higher than 99% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Cameron County, Texas
Cameron County faces exceptional risk
Cameron County's composite risk score of 97.30 ranks as exceptionally high both nationally and statewide, earning a Relatively High rating. Nearly every major hazard type presents significant exposure in this southernmost Texas county.
Texas's most exposed county overall
At 97.30, Cameron County scores nearly double Texas's state average of 49.00, representing the state's highest natural disaster risk. Hurricane (99.04), flood (92.81), tornado (85.15), and wildfire (83.78) risks all rank among state highs.
Dramatically riskier than inland counties
Cameron County's 97.30 score vastly exceeds all neighboring counties, including coastal Calhoun County's 66.25 and inland peers. Its position at the southernmost tip of Texas, directly in hurricane paths, creates this unique exposure profile.
Hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes converge
Hurricanes pose the most acute threat at 99.04, with Category 4 and 5 storms regularly striking this southernmost county. Flooding (92.81) amplifies hurricane damage, while tornadoes (85.15) threaten across seasons.
Comprehensive coverage is non-negotiable
Cameron County residents must carry hurricane-specific homeowners insurance, separate flood insurance, and backup power—standard policies leave dangerous gaps. Reinforced concrete construction, impact-resistant windows, and elevated utilities are essential investments in this highest-risk county.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Cameron County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Cameron County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard exposure in Cameron County is notably high, placing it at the 97th percentile among all U.S. counties. Cameron County's elevated composite score reflects cumulative multi-hazard exposure; households should prepare for the county's two or three primary hazard types.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Cameron County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 99th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 93th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (85th percentile), wildfire (84th percentile), earthquake (50th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 99th percentile nationally for hurricane risk, Cameron County is in a zone where flood insurance matters beyond the primary wind risk: NFIP flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period before taking effect, making off-season enrollment the correct timing. Cameron County's flood exposure at the 93th percentile nationally adds a hazard layer that can persist or intensify after hurricane-force winds have passed, particularly in low-lying inland areas. For Cameron County households, the hurricane preparedness calendar matters: flood insurance has a 30-day waiting period, wind-hardening retrofits take weeks to schedule, and evacuation route scouting is best done before a storm watch is issued.
Regional Context
A composite score 48.3 points above the Texas state average puts Cameron County in a higher-risk category than most counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Cameron County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Cameron County, TX?
What types of natural hazards affect Cameron County?
How does Cameron County risk compare to the Texas average?
Is Cameron County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Cameron 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.