Duval County Disaster Risk
Duval County, Texas
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
54th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#128
of 254 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
29th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 29% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 52% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 32% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 8% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 75% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Duval County, Texas
Duval County's Moderate Risk Level
Duval County scores 54.42 on the national composite risk scale, earning a Relatively Low rating and sitting slightly above the national average. This modest elevation reflects the county's exposure to several significant hazards, particularly from coastal and tropical weather systems. Overall, Duval residents face moderate but manageable disaster risk compared to the broader U.S.
Slightly Above Texas Average
At 54.42, Duval County exceeds Texas's average composite risk score of 49.00 by about 11%, indicating greater exposure than most of the state. The county ranks in the middle tier of Texas hazard vulnerability, with risk significantly higher than Panhandle communities but lower than major metropolitan corridors. This positioning reflects Duval's South Texas location and proximity to coastal systems.
Higher Risk Than Regional Peers
Duval County's 54.42 score surpasses Edwards County (5.73), making it substantially more exposed to natural disasters than its inland neighbor. However, it remains considerably safer than Erath County (75.00) and Ector County (82.82). Duval's risk profile places it at the middle of the South Texas hazard spectrum.
Hurricane and Wildfire Threats
Hurricane risk dominates at 74.84—among the highest hazard scores in Duval County—reflecting its coastal position and tropical storm vulnerability. Wildfire risk ranks second at 52.42, while flood risk at 28.59 adds a secondary concern. Together, these three hazards account for most of the county's natural disaster exposure.
Hurricane and Wildfire Insurance Essential
Duval County residents must prioritize hurricane-specific wind and hail coverage, which standard policies often exclude or limit significantly. Supplemental wildfire insurance is equally critical given the county's substantial exposure to brush fires and grassland burns. Review your policy deductibles and coverage limits annually before hurricane season begins each June.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Duval County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Duval County
Risk Verdict
Duval County sits below the national average for natural disaster exposure, ranking at the 54th percentile across all U.S. counties. Understanding the specific hazards behind Duval County's ranking helps residents prioritize where to direct emergency planning efforts.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Duval County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 75th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 52th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (32th percentile), flood (29th percentile), earthquake (8th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 75th percentile nationally for hurricane risk, Duval County is in a zone where flood insurance matters beyond the primary wind risk: NFIP flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period before taking effect, making off-season enrollment the correct timing. Wildfire at the 52th percentile nationally is Duval County's secondary hazard, often intensified by the same weather systems that produce hurricane conditions. For Duval County households, the hurricane preparedness calendar matters: flood insurance has a 30-day waiting period, wind-hardening retrofits take weeks to schedule, and evacuation route scouting is best done before a storm watch is issued.
Regional Context
A composite score 5.4 points above the Texas state average puts Duval County in a higher-risk category than most counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Duval County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Duval County, TX?
What types of natural hazards affect Duval County?
How does Duval County risk compare to the Texas average?
Is Duval County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Duval 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.