Cooke County Disaster Risk
Cooke County, Texas
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
73th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#72
of 254 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
67th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 67% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 92% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 91% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 55% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 48% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Cooke County, Texas
Cooke County's above-average disaster risk
With a composite risk score of 73.31, Cooke County faces notably higher natural disaster risk than the national average. This "Relatively Low" rating reflects significant exposure to specific hazards, particularly wildfire and tornado activity that exceed typical U.S. patterns.
Highest-risk county in North Texas
Cooke County ranks among Texas's most hazard-prone areas, with a score 49% higher than the state average of 49.00. This elevation places the county in a distinct risk category compared to most other Texas regions.
Dramatically higher risk than surrounding counties
Cooke County's score of 73.31 far exceeds neighboring Dallam County (51.15) and more distant peers like Coryell County (63.42). The county's wildfire risk of 91.51 and tornado risk of 91.48 are the driving factors behind this regional disparity.
Wildfires and tornadoes dominate the threat profile
Cooke County residents face exceptional wildfire risk (91.51) and tornado risk (91.48)—both among the state's highest. Flood risk is moderate at 66.83, while hurricane and earthquake risks remain manageable at 48.14 and 54.80 respectively.
Comprehensive coverage essential in Cooke County
Standard homeowners insurance typically excludes wildfire and flood damage, leaving residents significantly exposed. Residents should prioritize separate wildfire and flood policies, maintain defensible space around structures, and ensure storm shelters are accessible.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Cooke County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Cooke County
Risk Verdict
Cooke County has a below-average natural disaster risk profile, scoring at the 73th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Households in Cooke County benefit from knowing which individual hazard types — flood, wildfire, tornado, or hurricane — are the primary contributors.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Cooke County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 92th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 91th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (67th percentile), earthquake (55th percentile), hurricane (48th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Wildfire is Cooke County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 92th percentile nationally. Cooke County residents should assess whether their property lies within or adjacent to a Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) zone, where ember transport and rapid spread pose the highest risk. The county's tornado exposure at the 91th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. For Cooke County households, a practiced evacuation plan — with a primary and backup route designated before a fire occurs — provides more protection than any structural improvement when a wildfire approaches fast-moving terrain.
Regional Context
Cooke County's composite risk score sits 24.3 points above the Texas county average, placing it among the more hazard-exposed counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Cooke County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Cooke County, TX?
What types of natural hazards affect Cooke County?
How does Cooke County risk compare to the Texas average?
Is Cooke County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Cooke 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.