Gillespie County Disaster Risk
Gillespie County, Texas
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
58th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#118
of 254 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
68th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 68% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 84% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 70% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 12% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 55% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Gillespie County, Texas
Gillespie's Risk Moderately Above Average
Gillespie's composite risk score of 57.70 classifies it as relatively low risk but exceeds the national average around 50. The Hill Country county faces notable wildfire and flood exposures that elevate its overall hazard profile.
Above Texas Average in Hill Country
At 57.70, Gillespie's score surpasses Texas's state average of 49.00, placing it in the upper-middle tier of state risk rankings. The county's terrain and vegetation patterns create elevated wildfire and flash flood conditions typical of Hill Country communities.
Similar Risk to Surrounding Hill Country
Gillespie's composite score of 57.70 aligns closely with neighboring Blanco (56) and Llano (58) counties across the Hill Country region. All three counties share similar topography, drought patterns, and fire-prone cedar-oak terrain.
Wildfire and Flood Dominate Hazards
Gillespie faces high wildfire risk (84.00) and significant flood exposure (68.10), while tornado (70.17) risk remains elevated. Cedar and oak forests fuel rapid wildfires, while steep terrain and creek systems create flash flood danger during heavy rain events.
Defensible Space and Flood Awareness
Gillespie residents should maintain 30+ feet of cleared vegetation around structures and ensure gutters and drainage are clear of debris. Flood insurance is essential for properties near creeks and flood plains; wind coverage is critical for wildfire smoke and embers.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Gillespie County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Gillespie County
Risk Verdict
Gillespie County's FEMA risk score places it at the 58th percentile nationally, indicating lower-than-typical exposure for a U.S. county. A moderate composite score often means one or two hazard categories are doing the heavy lifting — knowing which ones matters for preparation.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Gillespie County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 84th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 70th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (68th percentile), hurricane (55th percentile), earthquake (12th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Gillespie County sits at the 84th percentile for wildfire exposure. Signing up for Gillespie County's county emergency alert system and knowing the pre-planned evacuation route before conditions deteriorate are the two highest-value preparedness actions for residents here. Alongside wildfire, tornado at the 70th percentile nationally means a multi-season preparedness mindset — fire season and flood or storm season often require different household plans. In Gillespie County, wildfire smoke often precedes the flame front by hours or days; households benefit from tracking EPA's AirNow.gov and having HEPA air filtration available as a first line of indoor protection when air quality alerts are issued.
Regional Context
The Texas county average is 8.7 composite points below Gillespie County's score, a gap that reflects the county's elevated position in the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for Gillespie County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Gillespie County, TX?
What types of natural hazards affect Gillespie County?
How does Gillespie County risk compare to the Texas average?
Is Gillespie County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Gillespie 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.