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

Freestone County Disaster Risk

Freestone County, Texas

FEMA Risk Rating

Relatively Low

National Percentile

57th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#121

of 254 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

47th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 47% 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

Relatively Low

Higher than 73% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Very Low

Higher than 30% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 72% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Freestone County, Texas

Freestone's Risk Sits Above Average

With a composite risk score of 56.52, Freestone County ranks as relatively low risk but runs above the national average of roughly 50. This means residents face somewhat elevated exposure compared to typical American counties, driven primarily by tornado and hurricane hazards.

Mid-Pack Risk Among Texas Counties

Freestone's score of 56.52 exceeds Texas's state average of 49.00, placing it in the middle tier of the state's 254 counties. The county's risk profile is typical of rural East Texas, where weather volatility shapes insurance needs.

Higher Risk Than Rural Peers

Freestone's composite score of 56.52 runs notably higher than neighboring Limestone County and similar rural counties to the east. The difference stems largely from Freestone's elevated tornado risk (73.12) and hurricane exposure (71.55), both well above regional averages.

Tornadoes and Hurricanes Dominate

Freestone faces its highest hazard risks from tornadoes (73.12) and hurricanes (71.55), both scoring in the severe range. Tornado season peaks spring through early summer, while Atlantic hurricane season runs June through November—creating a prolonged period of elevated weather threat.

Prioritize Wind and Flood Coverage

Homeowners in Freestone should ensure comprehensive wind damage coverage for tornadoes and hurricanes, plus flood insurance if in a flood-prone area. A safe room or storm shelter offers critical protection during severe weather events that can develop with little warning.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Freestone County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    TornadoPrepare
    73th percentile
  2. #2
    HurricanePrepare
    72th percentile
  3. #3
    WildfirePrepare
    70th percentile

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

Risk Advisory: Freestone County

Risk Verdict

With a national percentile rank of 57th, Freestone 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 Freestone County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 73th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 72th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (70th percentile), flood (47th percentile), earthquake (30th percentile).

Preparedness Context

At the 73th percentile nationally for tornado risk, Freestone 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. Hurricane is the second hazard driver for Freestone County at the 72th percentile nationally, meaning households should maintain awareness of both severe-weather and hurricane-specific warning systems. For Freestone 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 7.5 points above the Texas state average, Freestone County carries meaningfully higher natural disaster exposure than a typical Texas county.

Is your household prepared for Freestone 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 Freestone County, TX?
Freestone County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Relatively Low, placing it in the 57th 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 Freestone County?
Freestone County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: tornado (73th percentile), hurricane (72th percentile), wildfire (70th percentile), flooding (47th percentile), earthquake (30th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is tornado at the 73th 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 Freestone County risk compare to the Texas average?
Freestone County's composite risk percentile is 57th, compared to the Texas state average of 49th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Freestone County faces higher natural disaster risk than the typical county in Texas.
Is Freestone County at risk for tornado?
Yes, Freestone County's tornado risk is at the 73th percentile nationally. This is above the national median. For flooding specifically, Freestone County is at the 47th 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 Freestone County higher risk than average?
Freestone County's composite risk score of 57th percentile is above the Texas state average of 49th percentile. This elevated risk is driven by tornado exposure (73th percentile), along with hurricane and 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.