Gray County Disaster Risk
Gray County, Texas
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
60th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#109
of 254 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
25th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 25% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 94% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 77% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 46% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 27% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Gray County, Texas
Gray County faces moderate wildfire risk
Gray County's composite risk score of 59.89 ranks as relatively low, slightly above the Texas state average of 49.00 but more resilient than many U.S. counties. However, the county's wildfire risk of 93.67 is exceptionally high and deserves serious attention.
Wildfire threat stands out statewide
Gray County's wildfire score of 93.67 ranks among the highest in Texas, reflecting the Panhandle's dry climate and grassland terrain. Despite this extreme hazard, the county's overall composite score remains moderate due to lower risks from hurricanes and earthquakes.
Wildfire risk exceeds surrounding counties
Gray County's wildfire score of 93.67 is significantly higher than neighboring Hale County (77.67) and Grayson County (86.04). The county's location in the Texas Panhandle puts it in a region where grass fires and brush fires are frequent threats.
Wildfire is the dominant threat
Wildfire risk of 93.67 stands out as Gray County's primary hazard, far exceeding tornado risk (76.84) and other threats. The Panhandle's grasslands and low humidity create conditions for rapid fire spread, particularly during drought seasons.
Invest in wildfire defensible space
Gray County residents should create and maintain defensible space around homes—removing dead vegetation, clearing gutters, and trimming tree branches within 10 feet of structures. Check whether your homeowners policy covers wildfire damage and consider additional coverage if needed, especially in rural areas closer to grasslands.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Gray County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Gray County
Risk Verdict
At the 60th percentile nationally, Gray County experiences a manageable level of natural hazard risk that falls below the U.S. median. Gray County's risk profile calls for targeted preparedness, focusing on the hazard categories that dominate the county's score.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Gray County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 94th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 77th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (46th percentile), hurricane (27th percentile), flood (25th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Wildfire ranks as Gray County's primary hazard at the 94th percentile nationally. For Gray County households in high-WUI areas, go-bag readiness — the ability to leave within 15 minutes — is more important than shelter-in-place planning for most residential properties. A secondary tornado exposure at the 77th percentile nationally means Gray County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. Gray County county's local emergency management office publishes community-specific wildfire risk assessments and evacuation zone maps; households should review their zone assignment and sign up for zone-specific alerts.
Regional Context
Gray County falls 10.9 points above Texas's typical county risk level, which means the hazard environment here is notably more demanding than the state baseline.
Is your household prepared for Gray County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Gray County, TX?
What types of natural hazards affect Gray County?
How does Gray County risk compare to the Texas average?
Is Gray County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Gray 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.