Guadalupe County Disaster Risk
Guadalupe County, Texas
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
92th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#19
of 254 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
96th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively High
Higher than 96% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 75% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 92% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 21% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 67% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Guadalupe County, Texas
Guadalupe County ranks among nation's riskiest
With a composite risk score of 91.51, Guadalupe County ranks as relatively moderate and is among the highest-risk counties in the United States. The county's score more than doubles the Texas state average of 49.00, driven by extraordinary hurricane and flood exposure.
Second-highest risk in Texas
Guadalupe County ranks among Texas's most disaster-vulnerable counties, with exceptional flood risk (95.64) and high tornado risk (92.24). The county's proximity to the Gulf Coast and position along the Colorado River create a perfect storm of hydro and storm hazards.
Regional leader in disaster risk
Guadalupe County's score of 91.51 is the highest in its region, exceeding Gonzales County (85.66), Grimes County (56.97), and all other nearby counties. The county faces the most severe multi-hazard exposure in South Texas.
Flooding is the critical threat
Guadalupe County's flood risk of 95.64 is among the highest in the nation, reflecting proximity to the Colorado River and Gulf Coast storm surge. Tornadoes (92.24) and wildfires (75.03) also pose significant secondary threats across different seasons.
Flood insurance is non-negotiable
With a flood risk score of 95.64, flood insurance is essential for every Guadalupe County property owner—standard homeowners policies do not cover flood damage. Evaluate your elevation, proximity to rivers and streams, and consider additional coverage; elevation certificates can help determine accurate insurance requirements.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Guadalupe County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Guadalupe County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard risk in Guadalupe County is higher than the majority of U.S. counties, with a national composite rank of 92th. Guadalupe County's elevated composite score reflects cumulative multi-hazard exposure; households should prepare for the county's two or three primary hazard types.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Guadalupe County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 96th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 92th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (75th percentile), hurricane (67th percentile), earthquake (21th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With flood ranked as the primary hazard at the 96th percentile nationally, Guadalupe County households should build a go-bag that includes important documents, medications, and supplies to sustain the family for at least three days if evacuation is needed. The county's second-ranked hazard, tornado at the 92th percentile nationally, means Guadalupe County residents face compounding risks from multiple natural hazard types during peak seasons. A waterproof container for documents (insurance policies, ID, prescriptions) and a clear household communication plan for when phone networks are congested are the two highest-value low-cost preparedness steps for Guadalupe County households.
Regional Context
A composite score 42.5 points above the Texas state average puts Guadalupe County in a higher-risk category than most counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Guadalupe County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Guadalupe County, TX?
What types of natural hazards affect Guadalupe County?
How does Guadalupe County risk compare to the Texas average?
Is Guadalupe County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Guadalupe 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.