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

Goliad County Disaster Risk

Goliad County, Texas

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

23th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#186

of 254 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

20th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Very Low

Higher than 20% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 56% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Very Low

Higher than 31% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Very Low

Higher than 8% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Moderate

Higher than 85% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Goliad County, Texas

Goliad's Risk Remains Below Average

Goliad's composite risk score of 22.58 ranks as very low, sitting well below the national average around 50. The South Texas county's modest overall exposure masks a notable hurricane vulnerability that deserves attention.

Below Average for Texas Overall

At 22.58, Goliad's score sits significantly below Texas's state average of 49.00, ranking it among the lower-risk counties statewide. The county's inland location buffers it from sustained disaster exposure.

Safer Than Most Surrounding Counties

Goliad's composite score of 22.58 runs lower than neighboring DeWitt (45) and Jackson (52) counties. The difference reflects Goliad's distance from major flood corridors and storm-track centers.

Hurricane Risk Dominates Profile

Despite its overall low score, Goliad faces significant hurricane exposure (85.02), while flood (19.94), tornado (30.98), and wildfire (55.73) risks remain manageable. The county's position in the Gulf coastal zone creates seasonal hurricane vulnerability that contrasts with its otherwise favorable risk profile.

Prioritize Wind Coverage for Hurricanes

Goliad residents should maintain comprehensive wind insurance for hurricane season (June through November), while flood insurance is optional for most areas except near waterways. A basic emergency kit and evacuation plan provide adequate protection for the county's modest overall hazard exposure.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Goliad County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    HurricanePrepare
    85th percentile
  2. #2
    WildfirePrepare
    56th percentile
  3. #3
    TornadoPrepare
    31th percentile

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

Risk Advisory: Goliad County

Risk Verdict

Goliad County sits in the lower tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure, ranked at the 23th percentile nationally. A preparedness foundation — alert registration, household communication plan, and a basic supply review — costs little and remains valuable even at Goliad County's favorable 23th percentile ranking.

Hazard Breakdown

Hurricane risk is Goliad County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 85th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 56th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (31th percentile), flood (20th percentile), earthquake (8th percentile).

Preparedness Context

At the 85th percentile nationally for hurricane exposure, Goliad County households benefit from reviewing both homeowners and flood insurance coverage before storm season begins — standard policies often exclude storm surge, which is the leading cause of hurricane fatalities. Goliad County's wildfire exposure at the 56th percentile nationally adds a hazard layer that can persist or intensify after hurricane-force winds have passed, particularly in low-lying inland areas. Hurricane-force winds cause direct property damage, but storm surge causes the majority of hurricane-related deaths. Goliad County households near tidal water or low-elevation areas should verify whether they are in a storm surge risk zone.

Regional Context

Goliad County falls 26.4 points below Texas's typical county risk level, making it one of the safer natural-hazard environments in the state.

Is your household prepared for Goliad 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 Goliad County, TX?
Goliad County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Very Low, placing it in the 23th 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 Goliad County?
Goliad County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: hurricane (85th percentile), wildfire (56th percentile), tornado (31th percentile), flooding (20th percentile), earthquake (8th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is hurricane at the 85th 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 Goliad County risk compare to the Texas average?
Goliad County's composite risk percentile is 23th, compared to the Texas state average of 49th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Goliad County faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in Texas.
Is Goliad County at risk for hurricane?
Yes, Goliad County's hurricane risk is at the 85th percentile nationally. This places it in the top quartile for this hazard type. For flooding specifically, Goliad County is at the 20th 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.
Is Goliad County a safe place to live?
Goliad County's composite risk score of 23th percentile is below the Texas state average of 49th percentile, indicating relatively lower exposure to natural hazards. However, no county is completely risk-free. The primary hazard type is hurricane at the 85th percentile. Residents should still maintain emergency preparedness plans and appropriate insurance coverage.
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.