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

Gregg County Disaster Risk

Gregg County, Texas

FEMA Risk Rating

Relatively Moderate

National Percentile

87th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#27

of 254 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

77th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 77% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 63% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Relatively High

Higher than 98% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 62% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 72% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Gregg County, Texas

Gregg County faces significant tornado risk

With a composite risk score of 86.99, Gregg County ranks as relatively moderate—substantially higher than the Texas state average of 49.00. The county's tornado score of 97.90 is among the highest in the nation, making it one of Texas's most tornado-exposed counties.

Texas's highest tornado-risk county

Gregg County's tornado score of 97.90 ranks as the highest among all Texas counties, reflecting its location in the heart of Tornado Alley's southern extension. The county also faces elevated risks from flooding (76.84) and hurricanes (72.05), creating a multi-hazard environment.

Exceeds regional tornado threat levels

Gregg County's tornado score of 97.90 dramatically surpasses neighboring Grayson County (92.88) and other nearby areas. This exceptional ranking reflects the county's geographic position in a region where atmospheric conditions frequently favor tornado formation.

Tornadoes pose existential threat

Gregg County's tornado risk of 97.90 is the most pressing hazard, with spring and early summer bringing frequent severe weather events. Secondary risks from flooding (76.84) and earthquakes (61.80) also require attention and preparedness.

Build tornado resilience into your home

Gregg County residents should invest in a safe room or storm shelter rated for tornado impact, as standard homeowners insurance does not cover tornado damage. Install impact-resistant windows, reinforce your roof structure, and maintain a weather alert system to stay informed during severe weather season.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Gregg County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    TornadoPrepare
    98th percentile
  2. #2
    FloodPrepare
    77th percentile
  3. #3
    HurricanePrepare
    72th percentile

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

Risk Advisory: Gregg County

Risk Verdict

Gregg County's overall risk score at the 87th percentile nationally signals meaningful exposure to multiple natural hazard types. Comprehensive household preparedness — including reviewing insurance, maintaining emergency supplies, and knowing evacuation routes — is strongly recommended.

Hazard Breakdown

Tornado risk is Gregg County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 98th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 77th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (72th percentile), wildfire (63th percentile), earthquake (62th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Gregg County ranks at the 98th percentile nationally for tornado exposure. Unlike many slow-onset hazards, tornadoes in Gregg County can reach full intensity in minutes; a pre-practiced household shelter plan matters far more than stockpiled supplies. The secondary flood hazard at the 77th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Gregg County's preparedness calendar, since flood and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. Gregg County county emergency management typically publishes annual severe-weather preparedness guides tailored to local tornado patterns; households benefit from reviewing these before storm season begins each spring.

Regional Context

Compared to other Texas counties, Gregg County runs 38.0 composite risk points higher than the state mean — reflecting above-average hazard concentration in this area.

Is your household prepared for Gregg 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 Gregg County, TX?
Gregg County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Relatively Moderate, placing it in the 87th 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 Gregg County?
Gregg County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: tornado (98th percentile), flooding (77th percentile), hurricane (72th percentile), wildfire (63th percentile), earthquake (62th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is tornado at the 98th 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 Gregg County risk compare to the Texas average?
Gregg County's composite risk percentile is 87th, compared to the Texas state average of 49th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Gregg County faces higher natural disaster risk than the typical county in Texas.
Is Gregg County at risk for tornado?
Yes, Gregg County's tornado risk is at the 98th percentile nationally. This places it in the top quartile for this hazard type. For flooding specifically, Gregg County is at the 77th 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.
Why is Gregg County higher risk than average?
Gregg County's composite risk score of 87th percentile is above the Texas state average of 49th percentile. This elevated risk is driven by tornado exposure (98th percentile), along with flooding and hurricane and wildfire and earthquake risk. Geographic location, terrain, climate patterns, and proximity to flood zones or fault lines all influence a county's risk profile.
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.