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

Delta County Disaster Risk

Delta County, Texas

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

9th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#219

of 254 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

6th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Very Low

Higher than 6% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Very Low

Higher than 40% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 49% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Very Low

Higher than 24% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Very Low

Higher than 41% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Delta County, Texas

Delta County is among safest in nation

Delta County's composite risk score of 8.91 ranks as "Very Low," placing it well below the national average and in the safest percentile of American counties. This Northeast Texas county experiences minimal exposure to major natural disasters.

Texas's safest county profile

At 8.91, Delta County scores dramatically below the Texas state average of 49.00, making it one of the state's lowest-risk jurisdictions. Geographic isolation and low population density contribute to reduced overall disaster exposure.

Safest in its regional peer group

Delta County's 8.91 score far outpaces nearby counties; even low-risk Dickens County (13.61) and Dimmit County (35.88) exceed its risk level. This relative safety reflects the county's rural character and distance from major hazard zones.

All risks remain well below average

Delta County's highest individual hazard is tornado risk at 49.30, followed by hurricane risk at 41.39, both near or below national norms. Flood, wildfire, and earthquake risks all score below 25, indicating minimal exposure across the full spectrum.

Standard coverage generally sufficient

Standard homeowners insurance provides adequate protection for Delta County residents, as flood and earthquake risks are negligible. Maintaining basic tornado preparedness—identifying a safe interior room and reviewing escape routes—remains prudent despite low overall risk.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Delta County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    TornadoPrepare
    49th percentile
  2. #2
    HurricanePrepare
    41th percentile
  3. #3
    WildfirePrepare
    40th percentile

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

Risk Advisory: Delta County

Risk Verdict

Delta County sits in the lower tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure, ranked at the 9th percentile nationally. Delta County's 9th percentile ranking is favorable, though every county carries at least one natural hazard worth knowing — reviewing the specific risks listed above helps households focus their preparedness where it matters most.

Hazard Breakdown

Tornado risk is Delta County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 49th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 41th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (40th percentile), earthquake (24th percentile), flood (6th percentile).

Preparedness Context

At the 49th percentile nationally for tornado risk, Delta County households benefit most from a reliable alert system — a NOAA weather radio that activates during overnight hours when residents may not be checking smartphone alerts. Hurricane is the second hazard driver for Delta County at the 41th percentile nationally, meaning households should maintain awareness of both severe-weather and hurricane-specific warning systems. For Delta County households, a pre-decided family shelter plan — who goes where, how children are retrieved from school during a warning, and a neighborhood meet-up point if phones fail — provides real protection that no supply kit alone can replicate.

Regional Context

Delta County falls 40.1 points below Texas's typical county risk level, making it one of the safer natural-hazard environments in the state.

Is your household prepared for Delta 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 Delta County, TX?
Delta County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Very Low, placing it in the 9th 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 Delta County?
Delta County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: tornado (49th percentile), hurricane (41th percentile), wildfire (40th percentile), earthquake (24th percentile), flooding (6th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is tornado at the 49th 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 Delta County risk compare to the Texas average?
Delta County's composite risk percentile is 9th, compared to the Texas state average of 49th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Delta County faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in Texas.
Is Delta County at risk for tornado?
Yes, Delta County's tornado risk is at the 49th percentile nationally. This is below the national median, indicating relatively lower exposure. For flooding specifically, Delta County is at the 6th 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 Delta County a safe place to live?
Delta County's composite risk score of 9th 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 tornado at the 49th 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.