Dawson County Disaster Risk
Dawson County, Texas
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
39th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#149
of 254 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
19th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 19% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 57% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 52% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 17% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 34% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Dawson County, Texas
Dawson County enjoys below-average risk
Dawson County's composite risk score of 38.74 ranks as "Very Low," sitting well below the national average. This West Texas county experiences notably less overall natural disaster exposure than most American counties.
Among Texas's safest counties
At 38.74, Dawson County scores significantly lower than the Texas state average of 49.00, placing it in the safer tier statewide. Residents here benefit from geographic and climate conditions that reduce exposure to the state's most common hazards.
Safer than surrounding West Texas counties
Dawson's score of 38.74 compares favorably to Deaf Smith County (61.80) and Dimmit County (35.88), though wildfire risk (56.97) remains the shared concern across the region. The county's relatively flat terrain and sparse development help buffer against multiple hazard types.
Wildfire poses the clearest threat
Wildfire risk of 56.97 is Dawson's primary concern, significantly higher than its flood (18.77) and earthquake (17.43) scores. Tornado risk (52.13) and hurricane risk (34.29) remain manageable but warrant preparedness planning.
Focus insurance on wind and wildfire
Standard homeowners insurance covers wildfire and wind damage, but residents should verify adequate coverage limits given the 56.97 wildfire score. While flood and earthquake risks are low, maintaining a defensible space around your home and clearing gutters are cost-effective protections.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Dawson County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Dawson County
Risk Verdict
Compared to the nation's 3,144 counties, Dawson County ranks at the 39th percentile for natural disaster risk — toward the safer end of the spectrum. A preparedness foundation — alert registration, household communication plan, and a basic supply review — costs little and remains valuable even at Dawson County's favorable 39th percentile ranking.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Dawson County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 57th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 52th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (34th percentile), flood (19th percentile), earthquake (17th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Dawson County sits at the 57th percentile for wildfire exposure. Signing up for Dawson County's county emergency alert system and knowing the pre-planned evacuation route before conditions deteriorate are the two highest-value preparedness actions for residents here. The county's tornado exposure at the 52th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. In Dawson County, wildfire smoke often precedes the flame front by hours or days; households benefit from tracking EPA's AirNow.gov and having HEPA air filtration available as a first line of indoor protection when air quality alerts are issued.
Regional Context
At 10.3 points below the Texas state average, Dawson County is among the lower-risk counties in the state for natural disaster exposure.
Is your household prepared for Dawson County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Dawson County, TX?
What types of natural hazards affect Dawson County?
How does Dawson County risk compare to the Texas average?
Is Dawson County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Dawson County a safe place to live?
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.