Deaf Smith County Disaster Risk
Deaf Smith County, Texas
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
62th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#99
of 254 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
13th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 13% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 86% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 70% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 39% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 0% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Deaf Smith County, Texas
Deaf Smith County faces moderate-to-high risk
Deaf Smith County's composite risk score of 61.80 places it in the "Relatively Low" category, exceeding the national average but remaining below the most dangerous counties. This Panhandle region contends with concentrated hazards that demand targeted preparation.
Above Texas average but not extreme
With a score of 61.80, Deaf Smith County exceeds the Texas state average of 49.00, ranking among the state's mid-to-higher-risk counties. The Panhandle's geography and climate create distinct hazard patterns compared to the rest of Texas.
Wildfire risk ties Panhandle counties together
Deaf Smith (61.80) faces significantly higher wildfire risk (85.75) than nearby Dawson County (38.74) or Dimmit County (35.88). The county's agricultural landscape and proximity to grasslands make it part of a wildfire-prone regional corridor.
Wildfire and tornado drive exposure
Wildfire risk (85.75) and tornado risk (69.69) are Deaf Smith's dominant hazards, each far exceeding national typical values. Flood risk remains minimal at 13.14, but earthquake (38.77) and the complete absence of hurricane threat (0.00) round out the county's profile.
Prioritize wind and wildfire defenses
Homeowners insurance should explicitly cover wildfire damage and high wind; verify limits given the 85.75 wildfire score. Create and maintain defensible space by trimming trees, removing dead vegetation, and keeping roofing and gutters clear of debris.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Deaf Smith County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Deaf Smith County
Risk Verdict
Deaf Smith County sits below the national average for natural disaster exposure, ranking at the 62th percentile across all U.S. counties. Understanding the specific hazards behind Deaf Smith County's ranking helps residents prioritize where to direct emergency planning efforts.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Deaf Smith County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 86th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 70th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (39th percentile), flood (13th percentile), hurricane (0th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 86th percentile nationally for wildfire, Deaf Smith County residents should verify whether their insurance policy includes replacement cost coverage for structures and whether the insurer still writes new policies in this fire-risk zone. Alongside wildfire, tornado at the 70th percentile nationally means a multi-season preparedness mindset — fire season and flood or storm season often require different household plans. Local USFS or Cal Fire (where applicable) fire risk maps and seasonal Red Flag Warning alerts from the National Weather Service are two free resources Deaf Smith County residents can use to stay ahead of rapidly changing wildfire conditions.
Regional Context
A composite score 12.8 points above the Texas state average puts Deaf Smith County in a higher-risk category than most counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Deaf Smith County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Deaf Smith County, TX?
What types of natural hazards affect Deaf Smith County?
How does Deaf Smith County risk compare to the Texas average?
Is Deaf Smith County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Deaf Smith 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.