Hale County Disaster Risk
Hale County, Texas
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
78th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#58
of 254 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
43th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 43% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 78% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 85% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 42% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 40% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Hale County, Texas
Hale County faces moderate wildfire risk
Hale County's composite risk score of 78.44 ranks as relatively low but exceeds the Texas state average of 49.00. The county's wildfire risk of 77.67 and tornado risk of 85.50 are both elevated, reflecting its Panhandle location.
Panhandle wildfire exposure stands out
Hale County ranks moderately on the statewide risk scale, with wildfire (77.67) and tornado (85.50) scores both well above Texas averages. The county's location in the Panhandle creates conditions for both grass fires and severe spring weather.
Similar risk to surrounding counties
Hale County's score of 78.44 is comparable to Grayson County (80.31) and exceeds Gray County's overall composite (59.89), though Gray's wildfire risk is higher. The county faces a balanced hazard profile typical of the Panhandle region.
Tornadoes and wildfires dominate
Hale County's tornado risk of 85.50 and wildfire risk of 77.67 are its primary hazards, with spring bringing severe weather and drought seasons bringing fire danger. Earthquake risk (42.30) and flood risk (43.45) are moderate secondary concerns.
Prepare for spring and fire season
Hale County residents should develop a tornado safety plan with a designated shelter and maintain a weather alert system for spring storms. Clear defensible space around your home by removing dead vegetation and branches, and verify your homeowners policy covers wind and hail from severe weather.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Hale County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Hale County
Risk Verdict
With a national percentile rank of 78th, Hale County faces below-average hazard exposure relative to U.S. counties as a whole. Proactive preparedness — not reactive response — is key to managing life in one of the country's higher-risk counties; Hale County residents should plan accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Hale County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 85th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 78th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (43th percentile), earthquake (42th percentile), hurricane (40th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 85th percentile nationally for tornado risk, Hale County households benefit most from a reliable alert system — a NOAA weather radio that activates during overnight hours when residents may not be checking smartphone alerts. The secondary wildfire hazard at the 78th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Hale County's preparedness calendar, since wildfire and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. For Hale County households, a pre-decided family shelter plan — who goes where, how children are retrieved from school during a warning, and a neighborhood meet-up point if phones fail — provides real protection that no supply kit alone can replicate.
Regional Context
At 29.4 points above the Texas state average, Hale County carries meaningfully higher natural disaster exposure than a typical Texas county.
Is your household prepared for Hale County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Hale County, TX?
What types of natural hazards affect Hale County?
How does Hale County risk compare to the Texas average?
Is Hale County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Hale 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.