Dickens County Disaster Risk
Dickens County, Texas
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
14th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#205
of 254 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
2th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 2% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 76% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 18% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 5% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 13% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Dickens County, Texas
Dickens County enjoys exceptional safety
Dickens County's composite risk score of 13.61 ranks as "Very Low," placing it among the safest counties nationwide. This rural Panhandle county experiences minimal overall exposure to natural disasters.
Well below Texas average risk
At 13.61, Dickens County scores substantially lower than the Texas state average of 49.00, making it one of the state's safest jurisdictions. Low population density and geographic isolation contribute to minimal hazard impact.
Safer than most region peers
Dickens (13.61) edges out Delta County (8.91) as the next-safest option and significantly outpaces Deaf Smith (61.80) and Dimmit (35.88). The Panhandle's sparse settlement patterns reduce disaster exposure across this tier of counties.
Wildfire is the sole notable hazard
Wildfire risk of 76.40 stands out as Dickens's primary concern, though all other hazards score below 50. Tornado (18.00), flood (1.88), earthquake (4.52), and hurricane (12.64) risks are negligible.
Wildfire defense is primary focus
While overall risk is exceptionally low, the 76.40 wildfire score warrants attention to defensible space and roofing maintenance. Standard homeowners insurance covers wildfire; maintain coverage and keep brush cleared within 30 feet of structures.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Dickens County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Dickens County
Risk Verdict
Dickens County's natural disaster risk is among the lowest in the country, with a composite score at the 14th percentile nationally. A 14th percentile score positions Dickens County among the nation's lower-risk counties, a genuinely favorable outcome — one that simple, low-cost preparedness habits can reinforce further.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Dickens County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 76th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 18th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (13th percentile), earthquake (5th percentile), flood (2th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Wildfire is Dickens County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 76th percentile nationally. Dickens 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. A secondary tornado exposure at the 18th percentile nationally means Dickens County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. For Dickens 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
The Texas county average exceeds Dickens County's score by 35.4 composite points — placing this county in the lower-risk tier relative to its in-state peers.
Is your household prepared for Dickens County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Dickens County, TX?
What types of natural hazards affect Dickens County?
How does Dickens County risk compare to the Texas average?
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How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Dickens 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.