Gonzales County Disaster Risk
Gonzales County, Texas
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
86th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#33
of 254 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
90th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 90% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 73% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 72% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 21% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Moderate
Higher than 89% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Gonzales County, Texas
Gonzales faces above-average disaster risk
With a composite risk score of 85.66, Gonzales County ranks as relatively moderate—significantly higher than the U.S. average and well above Texas's state average of 49.00. This elevated score reflects multiple serious hazards affecting the community, from hurricanes to flooding.
Among Texas's highest-risk counties
Gonzales ranks in the upper tier of Texas counties for overall disaster risk, driven by exceptional hurricane (88.65) and flood (90.39) scores that far exceed state norms. The county's exposure to Gulf Coast storms makes it one of Texas's most vulnerable areas.
Riskier than most nearby counties
Gonzales's score of 85.66 exceeds neighboring Guadalupe County (91.51) and Grimes County (56.97), placing it among the region's highest-risk areas. Its hurricane and flood vulnerabilities are notably higher than inland counties to the north and west.
Hurricanes and floods dominate threats
Gonzales County faces exceptional hurricane risk (88.65) and flood risk (90.39), both well above state averages—typical for counties near the Gulf Coast. Tornadoes (72.49) and wildfires (73.09) also pose significant secondary threats to homes and infrastructure.
Prioritize flood and hurricane coverage
Standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage, making separate flood insurance essential for Gonzales County residents given the 90.39 flood risk score. Consider hurricane-resistant upgrades and ensure your policy includes wind damage coverage, especially if you're near the coast or in storm-surge zones.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Gonzales County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Gonzales County
Risk Verdict
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Gonzales County at the 86th percentile nationally — above average and worth proactive preparation. Residents should prioritize a formal household emergency plan, including evacuation routes, insurance review, and a well-stocked emergency kit.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Gonzales County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 90th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 89th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (73th percentile), tornado (72th percentile), earthquake (21th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Flood risk is Gonzales County's top hazard at the 90th percentile nationally. Households in or near designated flood zones face elevated financial exposure; flood insurance typically requires a 30-day waiting period before it takes effect, so applying before the season is advisable. Alongside flooding, hurricane exposure at the 89th percentile means households benefit from a multi-hazard preparedness plan rather than focusing on flood alone. Households across Gonzales County should identify the nearest community shelter and keep a basic emergency kit — water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlight, and battery radio — in a location easy to grab quickly.
Regional Context
Gonzales County is 36.7 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 Gonzales County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Gonzales County, TX?
What types of natural hazards affect Gonzales County?
How does Gonzales County risk compare to the Texas average?
Is Gonzales County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Gonzales 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.