Hartley County Disaster Risk
Hartley County, Texas
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
33th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#163
of 254 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
5th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 5% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 71% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 26% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 25% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Hartley County, Texas
Hartley County enjoys low disaster risk
Hartley County's composite risk score of 33.11 sits well below national averages, with a Very Low rating reflecting minimal exposure to major natural disasters. The Texas Panhandle county benefits from geographic protection against hurricanes and significant flooding.
Below-average risk across Texas
Hartley County's composite score of 33.11 sits 33% below the Texas state average of 49.00, ranking it among the state's safer jurisdictions. Its high plains location shields it from coastal and subtropical hazards that drive risk elsewhere.
Safest county in the Texas Panhandle
Hartley County's disaster profile significantly outperforms surrounding Panhandle and West Texas counties, offering exceptional resilience. Its geographic position in the high plains minimizes overlap between major hazard types.
Wildfire is primary hazard concern
Hartley County's wildfire risk of 71.12 dominates its hazard profile, reflecting the Panhandle's grassland environment and seasonal fire conditions. Limited data on hurricane exposure does not significantly affect the county's overall very low risk rating.
Focus on wildfire preparedness
Hartley County residents should prioritize wildfire coverage and defensible space maintenance given the county's fire exposure. Standard homeowner's insurance with wildfire provisions provides adequate protection in this low-risk region.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Hartley County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Hartley County
Risk Verdict
Hartley County's overall natural disaster score at the 33th percentile puts it well below the national median for hazard exposure. A 33th percentile score positions Hartley County among the nation's lower-risk counties, a genuinely favorable outcome — one that simple, low-cost preparedness habits can reinforce further.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Hartley County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 71th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 26th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (25th percentile), flood (5th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With wildfire ranked at the 71th percentile nationally, Hartley County is in a zone where air quality can deteriorate rapidly before structures are threatened. An N95 respirator and a HEPA air purifier are practical items for Hartley County households to have on hand before fire season. The county's tornado exposure at the 26th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. Defensible space, insurance review, and an evacuation plan are the three preparedness pillars for Hartley County households — and the insurance review is the one most often deferred by Hartley County residents and most costly to skip when a fire event actually occurs.
Regional Context
Hartley County's composite risk score sits 15.9 points below the Texas county average, reflecting a more favorable hazard environment than the state typical.
Is your household prepared for Hartley County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Hartley County, TX?
What types of natural hazards affect Hartley County?
How does Hartley County risk compare to the Texas average?
Is Hartley County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Hartley County a safe place to live?
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.