Hemphill County Disaster Risk
Hemphill County, Texas
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
17th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#200
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
Moderate
Higher than 90% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 51% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 16% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 23% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Hemphill County, Texas
Hemphill is exceptionally safe nationally
Hemphill County's composite risk score of 16.51 earns a "Very Low" rating, placing it well below the national average and among the safest counties in America. This exceptional profile makes Hemphill one of the lowest-risk places to live in the country.
Lowest-risk county in Texas
Hemphill County's score of 16.51 is dramatically lower than Texas's state average of 49.00, making it the safest county in the state by a wide margin. The county's remote panhandle location insulates it from many of the hazards that affect more populated areas of Texas.
Far safer than surrounding panhandle counties
Hemphill County's 16.51 score stands alone—neighboring panhandle counties face substantially higher risks, with Hockley County at 51.43 and other regional peers ranging much higher. Hemphill's geographic isolation from major population centers contributes to its exceptional safety profile.
Wildfires are your primary concern
Wildfire risk at 89.79 is dramatically higher than all other hazards in Hemphill County, creating a clear and specific vulnerability. All other risks—flood (3.63), tornado (51.18), earthquake (15.59), and hurricane (22.70)—are well below state and national averages.
Focus on wildfire preparedness and coverage
While overall risk is very low, Hemphill residents should ensure homeowners insurance covers wildfire damage and maintain defensible space around structures. Standard homeowners policies typically exclude wildfire, so verify your coverage includes this critical peril.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Hemphill County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Hemphill County
Risk Verdict
At the 17th percentile nationally, Hemphill County experiences relatively limited natural hazard pressure compared to most of the country. The 17th percentile national ranking is one lens; Hemphill County residents also benefit from reviewing which specific hazard types drive the county's composite score and preparing accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Hemphill County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 90th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 51th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (23th percentile), earthquake (16th percentile), flood (4th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Hemphill County's dominant hazard is wildfire, ranked at the 90th percentile nationally. Maintaining at least 30 feet of lean, clean vegetation around structures in Hemphill County and keeping gutters clear of debris significantly reduces ignition risk from wind-driven embers. The county's tornado exposure at the 51th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. Hemphill County's households benefit from reviewing homeowners insurance before fire season, specifically whether the policy covers replacement cost rather than actual cash value, and whether it includes additional living expenses if displacement is required.
Regional Context
A composite score 32.5 points below the Texas state average puts Hemphill County in a better-than-typical position relative to neighboring counties.
Is your household prepared for Hemphill County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Hemphill County, TX?
What types of natural hazards affect Hemphill County?
How does Hemphill County risk compare to the Texas average?
Is Hemphill County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Hemphill 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.