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

Culberson County Disaster Risk

Culberson County, Texas

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

12th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#210

of 254 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

7th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Very Low

Higher than 7% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 67% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Very Low

Higher than 6% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Very Low

Higher than 27% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Very Low

Higher than 11% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Culberson County, Texas

Culberson County enjoys exceptionally low risk

Culberson County's composite risk score of 11.64 places it firmly in the "Very Low" category, well below the national average. This protected status reflects its remote West Texas location and limited exposure to most hazard types.

Among Texas's safest counties overall

Culberson County's score of 11.64 is 76% lower than Texas's state average of 49.00, making it one of the state's least threatened regions. This exceptional standing provides residents genuine peace of mind.

Substantially safer than most surveyed peers

Culberson County (11.64) ranks safer than Cottle County (12.47), Crosby County (23.73), and all counties surveyed except Crane (1.15). Its isolation contributes to remarkable natural disaster resilience.

Wildfire the only moderate concern present

Wildfire risk at 67.24 is Culberson County's primary hazard; earthquake risk is secondary at 26.94, while tornado (5.73), flood (6.58), and hurricane (11.43) risks remain negligible. This narrow risk profile simplifies preparedness.

Wildfire awareness plus standard insurance

Standard homeowners insurance is typically adequate in Culberson County, though wildfire-specific coverage should be considered given the 67.24 risk score. Vegetation clearance and defensible space represent practical, cost-effective protections.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Culberson County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    WildfirePrepare
    67th percentile
  2. #2
    EarthquakePrepare
    27th percentile
  3. #3
    HurricanePrepare
    11th percentile

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

Risk Advisory: Culberson County

Risk Verdict

Culberson County carries a low natural disaster risk burden, scoring at the 12th percentile under the FEMA National Risk Index. At the 12th percentile nationally, Culberson County's natural hazard profile is comparatively favorable — community resilience is reinforced when individual households maintain a reviewed emergency plan.

Hazard Breakdown

Wildfire risk is Culberson County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 67th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 27th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (11th percentile), flood (7th percentile), tornado (6th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Wildfire ranks as Culberson County's primary hazard at the 67th percentile nationally. For Culberson County households in high-WUI areas, go-bag readiness — the ability to leave within 15 minutes — is more important than shelter-in-place planning for most residential properties. The county's earthquake exposure at the 27th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. Culberson County county's local emergency management office publishes community-specific wildfire risk assessments and evacuation zone maps; households should review their zone assignment and sign up for zone-specific alerts.

Regional Context

Compared to the Texas county average, Culberson County's composite score runs 37.4 points lower — a gap that reflects the county's relatively modest hazard profile within its state context.

Is your household prepared for Culberson 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 Culberson County, TX?
Culberson County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Very Low, placing it in the 12th 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 Culberson County?
Culberson County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: wildfire (67th percentile), earthquake (27th percentile), hurricane (11th percentile), flooding (7th percentile), tornado (6th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is wildfire at the 67th 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 Culberson County risk compare to the Texas average?
Culberson County's composite risk percentile is 12th, compared to the Texas state average of 49th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Culberson County faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in Texas.
Is Culberson County at risk for wildfire?
Yes, Culberson County's wildfire risk is at the 67th percentile nationally. This is above the national median. For flooding specifically, Culberson County is at the 7th 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.
Is Culberson County a safe place to live?
Culberson County's composite risk score of 12th percentile is below the Texas state average of 49th percentile, indicating relatively lower exposure to natural hazards. However, no county is completely risk-free. The primary hazard type is wildfire at the 67th percentile. Residents should still maintain emergency preparedness plans and appropriate insurance coverage.
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.