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

Hays County Disaster Risk

Hays County, Texas

FEMA Risk Rating

Relatively Moderate

National Percentile

91th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#22

of 254 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

93th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Moderate

Higher than 93% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Moderate

Higher than 88% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Relatively High

Higher than 96% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Very Low

Higher than 26% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 64% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Hays County, Texas

Hays ranks well above national risk average

Hays County's composite risk score of 90.55 places it firmly in the "Relatively Moderate" category, significantly higher than the national average. This elevated exposure reflects the county's particular vulnerability to multiple hazard types that affect the Austin metropolitan area.

High risk compared to typical Texas county

With a composite risk score of 90.55, Hays County ranks among the higher-risk counties in Texas, where the state average sits at 49.00. This makes Hays one of the riskier places to live in the state, driven by concentrated exposure to tornadoes, floods, and wildfires.

Riskiest in the Austin-area cluster

Hays County's 90.55 score significantly outpaces nearby Hood County (70.52) and Hill County (72.96), making it the highest-risk county in the greater Austin region. Only Hidalgo County statewide exceeds Hays' risk level, reflecting the central Texas area's unique concentration of tornado, flood, and wildfire exposure.

Tornadoes, floods dominate your hazard profile

Tornado risk stands at 96.09—among the highest statewide—followed closely by flood risk at 93.16, making spring severe weather your top concerns. Wildfire risk of 87.95 rounds out a trio of significant threats that define the county's overall risk exposure.

Flood and wind insurance are critical here

With flood and tornado risks both above 93, comprehensive homeowners insurance plus separate flood coverage should be priorities for Hays residents. Review your policy annually and ensure it reflects your home's location within flood zones and areas of high tornado exposure.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Hays County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    TornadoPrepare
    96th percentile
  2. #2
    FloodPrepare
    93th percentile
  3. #3
    WildfirePrepare
    88th percentile

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

Local Resources

Risk Advisory: Hays County

Risk Verdict

Hays County faces a moderate natural disaster risk profile, ranking at the 91th percentile nationally under FEMA's composite risk model. This risk level calls for more than general awareness: insurance coverage review, a family communication plan, and a prepared go-bag are practical priorities.

Hazard Breakdown

Tornado risk is Hays County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 96th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 93th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (88th percentile), hurricane (64th percentile), earthquake (26th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Tornado risk is Hays County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 96th percentile nationally. For Hays County households, the most protective action available is identifying a reinforced interior room on the lowest floor — a bathroom, closet, or central hallway away from windows. Flood is the second hazard driver for Hays County at the 93th percentile nationally, meaning households should maintain awareness of both severe-weather and flood-specific warning systems. A battery-powered NOAA All Hazards weather radio with an auto-alert tone is the highest-leverage single item for tornado preparedness in Hays County, since it delivers warnings even when power is out and phone networks are congested.

Regional Context

Hays County's composite risk score sits 41.6 points above the Texas county average, placing it among the more hazard-exposed counties in the state.

Is your household prepared for Hays 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 Hays County, TX?
Hays County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Relatively Moderate, placing it in the 91th 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 Hays County?
Hays County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: tornado (96th percentile), flooding (93th percentile), wildfire (88th percentile), hurricane (64th percentile), earthquake (26th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is tornado at the 96th 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 Hays County risk compare to the Texas average?
Hays County's composite risk percentile is 91th, compared to the Texas state average of 49th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Hays County faces higher natural disaster risk than the typical county in Texas.
Is Hays County at risk for tornado?
Yes, Hays County's tornado risk is at the 96th percentile nationally. This places it in the top quartile for this hazard type. For flooding specifically, Hays County is at the 93th 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.
Why is Hays County higher risk than average?
Hays County's composite risk score of 91th percentile is above the Texas state average of 49th percentile. This elevated risk is driven by tornado exposure (96th percentile), along with flooding and wildfire and hurricane risk. Geographic location, terrain, climate patterns, and proximity to flood zones or fault lines all influence a county's risk profile.

Counties with Similar Risk

Potter County

Texas

-0.1

Relatively Moderate

90th percentile

Williamson County

Texas

-0.4

Relatively Moderate

90th percentile

Bell County

Texas

+0.6

Relatively Moderate

91th percentile

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.

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