Harrison County Disaster Risk
Harrison County, Texas
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
78th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#59
of 254 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
63th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 63% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 77% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 94% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 56% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 70% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Harrison County, Texas
Harrison County faces above-average disaster risk
Harrison County's composite risk score of 77.70 exceeds the national average by 55%, earning a Relatively Low rating that understates serious exposure to storms and tornadoes. The Northeast Texas county's position along major waterways and tornado alley creates substantial compound risk.
Above-average risk for Texas
Harrison County's composite score of 77.70 exceeds the Texas state average of 49.00 by 58%, placing it among the state's higher-risk counties. Its inland location and regional climate create consistent exposure to tornadoes, heavy rain, and wind events.
Riskier than most East Texas peers
Harrison County's disaster profile outpaces neighboring counties in the region, with particularly acute tornado exposure at 93.51—among the highest statewide. Its risk level approaches that of Houston-area counties despite being geographically distant.
Tornadoes pose greatest immediate threat
Harrison County's tornado risk of 93.51 is its defining hazard—among Texas's highest—making severe thunderstorms and rotation a constant seasonal concern. Flooding at 63.49 and wildfire exposure at 77.04 round out the county's substantial hazard profile.
Tornado and flood coverage are critical
Harrison County residents must prioritize comprehensive wind and hail coverage given the county's extreme tornado risk, and secure separate flood insurance for the region's waterways. Invest in a safe room or reinforced shelter, maintain accurate property documentation, and review your policy coverage annually.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Harrison County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Harrison County
Risk Verdict
With a national percentile rank of 78th, Harrison 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; Harrison County residents should plan accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Harrison County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 94th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 77th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (70th percentile), flood (63th percentile), earthquake (56th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 94th percentile nationally for tornado risk, Harrison 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. Wildfire is the second hazard driver for Harrison County at the 77th percentile nationally, meaning households should maintain awareness of both severe-weather and wildfire-specific warning systems. For Harrison 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 28.7 points above the Texas state average, Harrison County carries meaningfully higher natural disaster exposure than a typical Texas county.
Is your household prepared for Harrison County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Harrison County, TX?
What types of natural hazards affect Harrison County?
How does Harrison County risk compare to the Texas average?
Is Harrison County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Harrison 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.