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

Hansford County Disaster Risk

Hansford County, Texas

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

42th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#144

of 254 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

4th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Very Low

Higher than 4% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 70% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Very Low

Higher than 37% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Very Low

Higher than 27% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Very Low

Higher than 0% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Hansford County, Texas

Hansford County's below-average disaster risk

Hansford County scores 41.98 on the composite risk scale—well below national averages—with a Very Low overall rating despite being a Texas Panhandle county. The county's geographic position limits exposure to some major hazards, particularly hurricanes and significant flooding.

Safest Panhandle counties in Texas

Hansford County's composite score of 41.98 sits 14% below the Texas state average of 49.00, ranking it among the Panhandle's lowest-risk jurisdictions. Its location in the high plains protects it from coastal and subtropical hazards that drive risk in other regions.

Lower risk than Moore County neighbors

Hansford County maintains a safer profile than several adjacent Panhandle counties, with zero hurricane risk and minimal flood exposure at 3.91. This geographic advantage makes it a relative haven in the region for disaster resilience.

Wildfire dominates local hazard profile

Wildfire risk at 69.56 is Hansford County's primary concern, reflecting the Panhandle's grassland and brush environment. Tornado risk of 36.64 and moderate earthquake exposure round out the county's hazard profile, though neither reaches critical levels.

Wildfire preparedness is essential

Hansford County residents should prioritize wildfire preparation despite low overall risk, as the county's fire exposure exceeds state averages. Ensure your property insurance covers wildfire damage and maintain clear vegetation around buildings during fire season.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Hansford County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    WildfirePrepare
    70th percentile
  2. #2
    TornadoPrepare
    37th percentile
  3. #3
    EarthquakePrepare
    27th percentile

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

Risk Advisory: Hansford County

Risk Verdict

Hansford County's natural disaster risk is among the lowest in the country, with a composite score at the 42th percentile nationally. A preparedness foundation — alert registration, household communication plan, and a basic supply review — costs little and remains valuable even at Hansford County's favorable 42th percentile ranking.

Hazard Breakdown

Wildfire risk is Hansford County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 70th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 37th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (27th percentile), flood (4th percentile), hurricane (0th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Wildfire is Hansford County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 70th percentile nationally. Hansford County residents should assess whether their property lies within or adjacent to a Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) zone, where ember transport and rapid spread pose the highest risk. Alongside wildfire, tornado at the 37th percentile nationally means a multi-season preparedness mindset — fire season and flood or storm season often require different household plans. For Hansford County households, a practiced evacuation plan — with a primary and backup route designated before a fire occurs — provides more protection than any structural improvement when a wildfire approaches fast-moving terrain.

Regional Context

The Texas county average exceeds Hansford County's score by 7.0 composite points — placing this county in the lower-risk tier relative to its in-state peers.

Is your household prepared for Hansford 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 Hansford County, TX?
Hansford County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Very Low, placing it in the 42th 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 Hansford County?
Hansford County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: wildfire (70th percentile), tornado (37th percentile), earthquake (27th percentile), flooding (4th percentile), hurricane (0th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is wildfire at the 70th 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 Hansford County risk compare to the Texas average?
Hansford County's composite risk percentile is 42th, compared to the Texas state average of 49th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Hansford County faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in Texas.
Is Hansford County at risk for wildfire?
Yes, Hansford County's wildfire risk is at the 70th percentile nationally. This is above the national median. For flooding specifically, Hansford County is at the 4th 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 Hansford County a safe place to live?
Hansford County's composite risk score of 42th 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 70th 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.