Erath County Disaster Risk
Erath County, Texas
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
75th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#69
of 254 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
72th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 72% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively High
Higher than 95% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 83% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 26% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 56% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Erath County, Texas
Erath County's Elevated Risk Profile
Erath County scores 75.00 on the national composite risk scale, earning a Relatively Low rating but placing it well above the U.S. average. This substantial elevation reflects the county's exposure to wildfire, tornado, and flood hazards that collectively drive its composite score. Residents face natural disaster exposure roughly 50% higher than typical American counties.
Above Texas Average, High Regional Risk
At 75.00, Erath County exceeds Texas's state average of 49.00 by 53%, placing it in the upper tier of statewide natural disaster vulnerability. The county ranks among the state's higher-risk areas, surpassed only by Ector (82.82), Ellis (81.62), and El Paso (95.45). This position reflects Erath's North-Central Texas location and exposure to severe spring storm systems.
Riskier Than Eastland, Similar to Ellis
Erath County's 75.00 substantially exceeds nearby Eastland County (41.16), making it the riskier community for residents in this North-Central Texas region. It ranks nearly identically to Ellis County (81.62), making both counties statistical peers in hazard exposure. Both exceed Donley County (26.62) and the exceptionally safe Edwards County (5.73).
Wildfire and Tornado Lead Hazards
Wildfire risk dominates Erath County at 95.48—among the highest in Texas—while tornado risk at 82.82 and hurricane risk at 56.40 add substantial secondary concerns. Flood risk at 72.07 rounds out a multi-hazard profile, making Erath exposed across four major disaster categories. This convergence makes Erath one of Texas's most hazard-diverse counties.
Wildfire and Tornado Coverage Critical
Erath County residents must prioritize wildfire insurance given the county's exceptional 95.48 score—among Texas's highest—and ensure standard homeowners policies exclude wildfire coverage. Add tornado and hail riders immediately, as the county's 82.82 tornado risk is exceptionally high. Review all coverage limits with your agent annually and maintain a home inventory for disaster recovery.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Erath County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Erath County
Risk Verdict
Erath County's FEMA risk score places it at the 75th percentile nationally, indicating lower-than-typical exposure for a U.S. county. At this risk level, having a documented household preparedness plan — not just awareness — is the meaningful next step for Erath County residents.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Erath County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 95th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 83th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (72th percentile), hurricane (56th percentile), earthquake (26th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Erath County sits at the 95th percentile for wildfire exposure. Signing up for Erath 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. A secondary tornado exposure at the 83th percentile nationally means Erath County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. In Erath 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
The Texas county average is 26.0 composite points below Erath County's score, a gap that reflects the county's elevated position in the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for Erath County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Erath County, TX?
What types of natural hazards affect Erath County?
How does Erath County risk compare to the Texas average?
Is Erath County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Erath 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.