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

Fannin County Disaster Risk

Fannin County, Texas

FEMA Risk Rating

Relatively Low

National Percentile

68th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#85

of 254 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

36th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Very Low

Higher than 36% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 70% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Moderate

Higher than 87% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 47% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 49% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Fannin County, Texas

Fannin County carries moderate risk nationally

Fannin County's composite risk score of 68.13 places it above the national average, earning a relatively low risk rating despite elevated hazard exposure. This means residents face more natural disaster threats than typical Americans, requiring greater preparedness awareness.

Higher-risk than most Texas counties

At 68.13, Fannin County's composite score significantly exceeds Texas's state average of 49.00, making it one of the state's riskier jurisdictions. The county's exposure stems primarily from tornado and wildfire threats that outpace most of Texas.

Most threatened county in its region

Fannin County scores 68.13, substantially higher than nearby Falls County (26.24) and Franklin County (24.81), marking it as the region's most disaster-prone area. Its elevated wildfire (70.10) and tornado (87.31) scores far exceed those of surrounding counties.

Tornadoes pose the most serious threat

Tornado risk (87.31) dominates Fannin County's hazard profile, nearly matching or exceeding the state average across most categories. Wildfire risk (70.10) ranks second, followed by moderate earthquake (46.82) and hurricane (48.77) exposure.

Prioritize tornado and wind protection

Fannin County residents should ensure robust wind and hail coverage in homeowners policies and verify that tornado damage is included. Consider a safe room or reinforced shelter, and maintain emergency preparedness plans given the high tornado risk score of 87.31.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Fannin County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    TornadoPrepare
    87th percentile
  2. #2
    WildfirePrepare
    70th percentile
  3. #3
    HurricanePrepare
    49th percentile

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

Risk Advisory: Fannin County

Risk Verdict

With a national percentile rank of 68th, Fannin County faces below-average hazard exposure relative to U.S. counties as a whole. Above-average risk does not mean imminent danger; it signals that informed, hazard-specific preparedness has high value here.

Hazard Breakdown

Tornado risk is Fannin County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 87th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 70th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (49th percentile), earthquake (47th percentile), flood (36th percentile).

Preparedness Context

At the 87th percentile nationally for tornado risk, Fannin County households benefit most from a reliable alert system — a NOAA weather radio that activates during overnight hours when residents may not be checking smartphone alerts. The secondary wildfire hazard at the 70th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Fannin County's preparedness calendar, since wildfire and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. For Fannin County households, a pre-decided family shelter plan — who goes where, how children are retrieved from school during a warning, and a neighborhood meet-up point if phones fail — provides real protection that no supply kit alone can replicate.

Regional Context

At 19.1 points above the Texas state average, Fannin County carries meaningfully higher natural disaster exposure than a typical Texas county.

Is your household prepared for Fannin 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 Fannin County, TX?
Fannin County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Relatively Low, placing it in the 68th 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 Fannin County?
Fannin County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: tornado (87th percentile), wildfire (70th percentile), hurricane (49th percentile), earthquake (47th percentile), flooding (36th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is tornado at the 87th 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 Fannin County risk compare to the Texas average?
Fannin County's composite risk percentile is 68th, compared to the Texas state average of 49th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Fannin County faces higher natural disaster risk than the typical county in Texas.
Is Fannin County at risk for tornado?
Yes, Fannin County's tornado risk is at the 87th percentile nationally. This places it in the top quartile for this hazard type. For flooding specifically, Fannin County is at the 36th 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.
Why is Fannin County higher risk than average?
Fannin County's composite risk score of 68th percentile is above the Texas state average of 49th percentile. This elevated risk is driven by tornado exposure (87th percentile), along with wildfire risk. Geographic location, terrain, climate patterns, and proximity to flood zones or fault lines all influence a county's risk profile.
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.