Frio County Disaster Risk
Frio County, Texas
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
56th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#122
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 75% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 53% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 11% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 72% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Frio County, Texas
Frio County Moderately Above National Risk
Frio's composite risk score of 55.95 classifies it as relatively low risk but still exceeds the national average around 50. The county's exposure stems mainly from wildfire and hurricane hazards, which dominate its overall risk profile.
Slightly Elevated for South Texas
At 55.95, Frio's score surpasses Texas's state average of 49.00, placing it above the middle of the state's risk distribution. This south-central location brings hurricane exposure and brushland fire danger that shape the county's insurance landscape.
Similar to Surrounding South Texas Counties
Frio's score of 55.95 aligns closely with nearby LaSalle and Atascosa counties, all sharing similar wildfire and hurricane vulnerabilities. The region's semiarid terrain and proximity to the Gulf Coast create consistent risk patterns across multiple counties.
Wildfire and Hurricane Threats
Frio's top hazards are wildfire (75.16) and hurricane (71.59), both well above national norms, while tornado risk remains moderate at 53.37. Dry brush and grasslands fuel rapid wildfire spread, while Gulf proximity brings seasonal hurricane exposure from June through November.
Fireproof Landscaping and Wind Insurance
Frio residents should clear brush and dead vegetation within 30 feet of structures to reduce wildfire risk, and maintain robust wind coverage for hurricane season. Flood insurance is recommended for properties in flood-prone areas near the Frio River and its tributaries.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Frio County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Frio County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard pressure in Frio County is below the national midpoint, with a composite score at the 56th percentile. Proactive emergency planning and awareness of the specific hazards driving Frio County's score can meaningfully reduce household risk.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Frio County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 75th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 72th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (53th percentile), flood (47th percentile), earthquake (11th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With wildfire ranked at the 75th percentile nationally, Frio County is in a zone where air quality can deteriorate rapidly before structures are threatened. An N95 respirator and a HEPA air purifier are practical items for Frio County households to have on hand before fire season. The county's hurricane exposure at the 72th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. Defensible space, insurance review, and an evacuation plan are the three preparedness pillars for Frio County households — and the insurance review is the one most often deferred by Frio County residents and most costly to skip when a fire event actually occurs.
Regional Context
Frio County is 6.9 composite risk points above the Texas average, indicating that residents face greater natural hazard exposure than most of their in-state neighbors.
Is your household prepared for Frio County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Frio County, TX?
What types of natural hazards affect Frio County?
How does Frio County risk compare to the Texas average?
Is Frio County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Frio 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.