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

Hamilton County Disaster Risk

Hamilton County, Texas

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

13th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#206

of 254 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

17th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Very Low

Higher than 17% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Moderate

Higher than 85% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 47% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Very Low

Higher than 11% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 47% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Hamilton County, Texas

Hamilton County's low natural disaster risk

Hamilton County's composite risk score of 12.85 places it well below the national average, earning a Very Low rating for natural disaster exposure. This makes it one of Texas's safer counties when measuring combined hazard risk across floods, wildfires, tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes.

Among Texas's safest counties

Hamilton County ranks in the lowest tier statewide with a composite risk score of 12.85, compared to Texas's 49.00 state average. This 74% lower risk score reflects minimal exposure to major disaster types across the region.

Safer than Comanche, similar to Milam

Hamilton County's risk profile outperforms most neighboring counties in Central Texas. Its Very Low rating contrasts sharply with higher-risk areas to the south and east, positioning it among the state's most resilient communities.

Wildfire and tornado exposure remain

Though overall risk is low, Hamilton County faces meaningful wildfire exposure at 84.86—well above state average—and moderate tornado risk at 46.60. Residents should still prepare for fire season and severe weather despite the county's strong composite rating.

Wildfire insurance protects your property

Even in low-risk counties, wildfire and tornado coverage gaps expose homeowners to preventable losses. Review your homeowner's policy to ensure adequate wildfire and wind coverage, and maintain defensible space around your property.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Hamilton County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    WildfirePrepare
    85th percentile
  2. #2
    HurricanePrepare
    47th percentile
  3. #3
    TornadoPrepare
    47th percentile

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

Risk Advisory: Hamilton County

Risk Verdict

Hamilton County carries a low natural disaster risk burden, scoring at the 13th percentile under the FEMA National Risk Index. Even at the 13th percentile, Hamilton County's composite score reflects real hazard exposure categories — knowing which ones apply locally enables targeted, efficient household preparedness.

Hazard Breakdown

Wildfire risk is Hamilton County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 85th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 47th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (47th percentile), flood (17th percentile), earthquake (11th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Wildfire ranks as Hamilton County's primary hazard at the 85th percentile nationally. For Hamilton 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. The county's hurricane exposure at the 47th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. Hamilton 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

Compared to the Texas county average, Hamilton County's composite score runs 36.2 points lower — a gap that reflects the county's relatively modest hazard profile within its state context.

Is your household prepared for Hamilton 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 Hamilton County, TX?
Hamilton County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Very Low, placing it in the 13th 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 Hamilton County?
Hamilton County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: wildfire (85th percentile), hurricane (47th percentile), tornado (47th percentile), flooding (17th percentile), earthquake (11th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is wildfire at the 85th 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 Hamilton County risk compare to the Texas average?
Hamilton County's composite risk percentile is 13th, compared to the Texas state average of 49th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Hamilton County faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in Texas.
Is Hamilton County at risk for wildfire?
Yes, Hamilton County's wildfire risk is at the 85th percentile nationally. This places it in the top quartile for this hazard type. For flooding specifically, Hamilton County is at the 17th 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.
Is Hamilton County a safe place to live?
Hamilton County's composite risk score of 13th percentile is below the Texas state average of 49th percentile, indicating relatively lower exposure to natural hazards. However, no county is completely risk-free. The primary hazard type is wildfire at the 85th percentile. Residents should still maintain emergency preparedness plans and appropriate insurance coverage.
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.