Donley County Disaster Risk
Donley County, Texas
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
27th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#178
of 254 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
4th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 4% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 85% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 40% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 23% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 20% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Donley County, Texas
Donley County's Risk Profile
Donley County scores 26.62 on the national composite risk scale, placing it in the Very Low category—well below the typical U.S. county average. This means residents face significantly lower exposure to major natural disasters compared to the nation as a whole. The county's manageable risk profile makes it one of the safer areas for natural hazard planning.
Among the Safest in Texas
With a composite risk score of 26.62, Donley County ranks as one of the lowest-risk counties in Texas, where the state average sits at 49.00. This substantial 46% gap below the state mean reflects the county's relative protection from the major hazard types that threaten other Texas communities. Donley residents enjoy significantly lower overall natural disaster exposure than most Texans.
Safer Than Regional Peers
Donley County's 26.62 score is substantially lower than neighboring Eastland County (41.16) and Erath County (75.00), making it the safest in its immediate region. Even Edwards County, another low-risk area in West Texas, scores only slightly lower at 5.73. Donley's position reflects its geographic isolation from the state's most hazard-prone corridors.
Wildfire and Tornado Watch
Wildfire risk dominates Donley County's hazard profile at 84.51—the county's single greatest exposure despite its overall low composite score. Tornado risk ranks second at 40.24, reflecting the Panhandle's exposure to severe spring and summer storms. Both hazards require targeted preparedness even in this generally low-risk county.
Essential Coverage for Donley Residents
While Donley County's overall risk is low, wildfire insurance and comprehensive storm coverage are critical given those specific hazard scores. Standard homeowners policies often exclude wildfire damage, so review your coverage or purchase supplemental protection. Talk to your agent about tornado and hail riders to close gaps in your protection.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Donley County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Donley County
Risk Verdict
Compared to the nation's 3,144 counties, Donley County ranks at the 27th percentile for natural disaster risk — toward the safer end of the spectrum. At the 27th percentile nationally, Donley County's natural hazard profile is comparatively favorable — community resilience is reinforced when individual households maintain a reviewed emergency plan.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Donley County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 85th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 40th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (23th percentile), hurricane (20th percentile), flood (4th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Donley County sits at the 85th percentile for wildfire exposure. Signing up for Donley 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. Alongside wildfire, tornado at the 40th percentile nationally means a multi-season preparedness mindset — fire season and flood or storm season often require different household plans. In Donley 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 22.4 points below the Texas state average, Donley County is among the lower-risk counties in the state for natural disaster exposure.
Is your household prepared for Donley County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Donley County, TX?
What types of natural hazards affect Donley County?
How does Donley County risk compare to the Texas average?
Is Donley County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Donley 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.