Galveston County Disaster Risk
Galveston County, Texas
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively High
National Percentile
95th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#16
of 254 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
94th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 94% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 85% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively High
Higher than 97% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 56% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively High
Higher than 97% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Galveston County, Texas
Galveston Faces Exceptional Disaster Risk
Galveston's composite risk score of 95.39 ranks as relatively high—placing it in the top tier of riskiest U.S. counties. This coastal county's exposure to hurricanes (97.04), tornadoes (96.95), and floods (93.64) far exceeds national averages and reflects its vulnerability as a Gulf Coast population center.
Highest Risk in Texas by Far
At 95.39, Galveston nearly doubles Texas's state average of 49.00, ranking as one of the most hazard-exposed counties in the entire state. The county's proximity to the Gulf and major storm track convergence create compounded risks from multiple hazard types.
Far Exceeds Surrounding Counties
Galveston's composite score of 95.39 vastly outpaces neighboring Chambers (76), Brazoria (68), and Harris (72) counties. The difference reflects Galveston's coastal location and exposure to direct hurricane impacts that inland neighbors experience less severely.
Hurricanes, Tornadoes, and Floods
Galveston faces extreme risk from hurricanes (97.04), tornadoes (96.95), and floods (93.64)—all scoring in the critical range. The county sits directly in the primary Atlantic hurricane track and Gulf storm zone, while its low elevation amplifies flood vulnerability from storm surge and rainfall.
Mandatory Insurance and Hardening
All Galveston homeowners should carry comprehensive wind and flood insurance, including coverage for storm surge and hurricane damage. Structural upgrades like impact-resistant windows, reinforced roofs, and elevated utilities provide critical protection in this high-hazard environment.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Galveston County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Galveston County
Risk Verdict
Galveston County carries an elevated natural disaster risk burden, scoring at the 95th percentile nationally under FEMA's risk model. This risk level calls for more than general awareness: insurance coverage review, a family communication plan, and a prepared go-bag are practical priorities.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Galveston County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 97th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 97th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (94th percentile), wildfire (85th percentile), earthquake (56th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Hurricane risk is Galveston County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 97th percentile nationally. The most time-sensitive preparedness step is knowing the county's evacuation zone for your address — zone maps are published by the county emergency management office. Tornado at the 97th percentile nationally is Galveston County's secondary hazard, often intensified by the same weather systems that produce hurricane conditions. Galveston County's county emergency management office publishes official evacuation zone maps with zone-specific shelter locations; downloading this map and identifying your zone assignment is the single highest-value pre-season step.
Regional Context
Galveston County's composite risk score sits 46.4 points above the Texas county average, placing it among the more hazard-exposed counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Galveston County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Galveston County, TX?
What types of natural hazards affect Galveston County?
How does Galveston County risk compare to the Texas average?
Is Galveston County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Galveston 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.