Garza County Disaster Risk
Garza County, Texas
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
20th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#192
of 254 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
3th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 3% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 83% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 39% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 8% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 11% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Garza County, Texas
Garza County's Risk Remains Minimal
Garza's composite risk score of 20.01 ranks as very low, placing it well below the national average and among the safest counties in America. Despite moderate wildfire exposure, the county's overall hazard profile is exceptionally favorable.
Among Texas's Lowest-Risk Counties
At 20.01, Garza's score sits far below Texas's state average of 49.00, ranking it in the lowest tier statewide. The county's remote location on the South Plains and minimal flood, tornado, and hurricane exposure create this low-risk profile.
Safer Than Most Regional Peers
Garza's composite score of 20.01 runs substantially lower than neighboring Kent (35) and Scurry (42) counties. The difference reflects Garza's distance from major storm tracks and flood-prone watercourses.
Wildfire Is the Notable Concern
Garza's main hazard exposure comes from wildfire (83.46), while flood (3.34), tornado (39.22), and hurricane (11.47) risks remain minimal. Grassland conditions can occasionally fuel rapid fire spread during dry periods, but overall county exposure remains low.
Standard Coverage Typically Sufficient
Most Garza homeowners can rely on standard homeowner insurance with basic wind coverage; flood insurance is rarely necessary except near creek bottoms. Maintaining defensible space and fire-resistant landscaping provides adequate protection for the county's modest wildfire exposure.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Garza County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Garza County
Risk Verdict
At the 20th percentile nationally, Garza County experiences relatively limited natural hazard pressure compared to most of the country. At the 20th percentile nationally, Garza County's natural hazard profile is comparatively favorable — community resilience is reinforced when individual households maintain a reviewed emergency plan.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Garza County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 83th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 39th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (11th percentile), earthquake (8th percentile), flood (3th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Garza County's dominant hazard is wildfire, ranked at the 83th percentile nationally. Maintaining at least 30 feet of lean, clean vegetation around structures in Garza County and keeping gutters clear of debris significantly reduces ignition risk from wind-driven embers. The county's tornado exposure at the 39th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. Garza County's households benefit from reviewing homeowners insurance before fire season, specifically whether the policy covers replacement cost rather than actual cash value, and whether it includes additional living expenses if displacement is required.
Regional Context
A composite score 29.0 points below the Texas state average puts Garza County in a better-than-typical position relative to neighboring counties.
Is your household prepared for Garza County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Garza County, TX?
What types of natural hazards affect Garza County?
How does Garza County risk compare to the Texas average?
Is Garza County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Garza County a safe place to live?
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.