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

Dimmit County Disaster Risk

Dimmit County, Texas

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

36th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#156

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 55% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Very Low

Higher than 28% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Very Low

Higher than 9% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 62% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Dimmit County, Texas

Dimmit County experiences low risk

Dimmit County's composite risk score of 35.88 places it in the "Very Low" category, well below the national average. This South Texas county sits at the intersection of multiple hazard zones but experiences relatively minimal combined exposure.

Below Texas average, relatively safe

At 35.88, Dimmit County scores below the Texas state average of 49.00, ranking among the state's lower-risk counties. The county's inland location and semi-arid climate buffer it against many major hazard types.

Safest in South Texas peer group

Dimmit's 35.88 score edges out nearby Gulf Coast counties like DeWitt (83.91), whose 48-point gap reflects coastal hurricane and flood exposure. Compared to Panhandle neighbors like Deaf Smith (61.80), Dimmit benefits from lower tornado and wildfire risk.

Hurricane risk and wildfire matter most

Hurricane risk of 61.79 is Dimmit's highest hazard score, reflecting South Texas geography; wildfire risk (54.55) ranks second. Tornado (28.24), flood (19.37), and earthquake (8.75) risks remain relatively modest.

Hurricane preparedness plus wildfire awareness

Standard homeowners insurance covers wind damage but not flood; given the 61.79 hurricane score, verify policy limits for wind coverage. Maintain defensible space around structures, clear gutters, and develop a hurricane evacuation plan for storm season.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Dimmit County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    HurricanePrepare
    62th percentile
  2. #2
    WildfirePrepare
    55th percentile
  3. #3
    TornadoPrepare
    28th percentile

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

Risk Advisory: Dimmit County

Risk Verdict

At the 36th percentile nationally, Dimmit County experiences relatively limited natural hazard pressure compared to most of the country. Being ranked at the 36th percentile nationally is an advantage for Dimmit County — it means fewer statistically likely events, though basic readiness ensures households are covered when exceptions occur.

Hazard Breakdown

Hurricane risk is Dimmit County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 62th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 55th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (28th percentile), flood (19th percentile), earthquake (9th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Dimmit County ranks at the 62th percentile nationally for hurricane risk. For coastal counties, wind-resistant shutters or impact-rated windows represent the highest single structural investment for reducing property damage. Dimmit County's wildfire exposure at the 55th percentile nationally adds a hazard layer that can persist or intensify after hurricane-force winds have passed, particularly in low-lying inland areas. For extended post-storm outages common in Dimmit County's hurricane zone, a portable generator (operated outdoors only) and a supply of non-perishable food for at least seven days provides meaningful household resilience.

Regional Context

A composite score 13.1 points below the Texas state average puts Dimmit County in a better-than-typical position relative to neighboring counties.

Is your household prepared for Dimmit 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 Dimmit County, TX?
Dimmit County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Very Low, placing it in the 36th 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 Dimmit County?
Dimmit County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: hurricane (62th percentile), wildfire (55th percentile), tornado (28th percentile), flooding (19th percentile), earthquake (9th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is hurricane at the 62th 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 Dimmit County risk compare to the Texas average?
Dimmit County's composite risk percentile is 36th, compared to the Texas state average of 49th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Dimmit County faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in Texas.
Is Dimmit County at risk for hurricane?
Yes, Dimmit County's hurricane risk is at the 62th percentile nationally. This is above the national median. For flooding specifically, Dimmit County is at the 19th 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 Dimmit County a safe place to live?
Dimmit County's composite risk score of 36th 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 hurricane at the 62th 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.