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

Chambers County Disaster Risk

Chambers County, Texas

FEMA Risk Rating

Relatively Low

National Percentile

52th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#133

of 254 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

55th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 55% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 79% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 76% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Very Low

Higher than 20% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Moderate

Higher than 86% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Chambers County, Texas

Chambers faces significant coastal exposure

Chambers County's composite risk score of 51.84 exceeds the national average, driven primarily by its proximity to the Gulf Coast. The county's Relatively Low rating reflects concentrated hurricane (85.77) and tornado (75.64) risks requiring specialized preparation.

Slightly elevated above Texas average

At 51.84, Chambers County's composite risk score surpasses Texas's 49.00 average, placing it in the upper-middle tier statewide. The county ranks among more vulnerable areas, particularly due to coastal hurricane and storm surge exposure.

Highest hurricane risk in comparison set

Chambers County exhibits dramatically higher hurricane exposure (85.77) than any nearby county, reflecting its Gulf Coast location and vulnerable geography. Its 51.84 overall score sits between Cherokee County (61.64) and Cass County (50.80).

Hurricanes and tornadoes create dual threat

Hurricane risk dominates at 85.77, with tornadoes close behind at 75.64, creating a severe weather combination unique to Chambers's coastal position. Wildfire risk (78.85) and flood risk (55.00) add additional layers of vulnerability in this low-lying Gulf region.

Hurricane insurance is non-negotiable here

Homeowners must secure comprehensive coverage including hurricane, wind, and flood insurance—the latter particularly critical given the county's 55.00 flood exposure and storm surge vulnerability. Regular property maintenance and storm-resistant upgrades significantly reduce loss during major hurricanes.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Chambers County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    HurricanePrepare
    86th percentile
  2. #2
    WildfirePrepare
    79th percentile
  3. #3
    TornadoPrepare
    76th percentile

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

Risk Advisory: Chambers County

Risk Verdict

Chambers County ranks at the 52th 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 Chambers County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 86th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 79th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (76th percentile), flood (55th percentile), earthquake (20th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Chambers County ranks at the 86th 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 at the 79th percentile nationally is Chambers County's secondary hazard, often intensified by the same weather systems that produce hurricane conditions. For extended post-storm outages common in Chambers 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

The county's composite score diverges by only 2.8 points from the Texas average, making Chambers County's hazard profile broadly typical for this part of the state.

Is your household prepared for Chambers 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 Chambers County, TX?
Chambers County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Relatively Low, placing it in the 52th 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 Chambers County?
Chambers County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: hurricane (86th percentile), wildfire (79th percentile), tornado (76th percentile), flooding (55th percentile), earthquake (20th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is hurricane at the 86th 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 Chambers County risk compare to the Texas average?
Chambers County's composite risk percentile is 52th, compared to the Texas state average of 49th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Chambers County faces higher natural disaster risk than the typical county in Texas.
Is Chambers County at risk for hurricane?
Yes, Chambers County's hurricane risk is at the 86th percentile nationally. This places it in the top quartile for this hazard type. For flooding specifically, Chambers County is at the 55th 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 Chambers County higher risk than average?
Chambers County's composite risk score of 52th percentile is above the Texas state average of 49th percentile. This elevated risk is driven by hurricane exposure (86th percentile), along with wildfire and tornado 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.