Henderson County Disaster Risk
Henderson County, Texas
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
85th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#36
of 254 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
73th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 73% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 75% 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 51% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 66% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Henderson County, Texas
Henderson sits solidly above national risk
Henderson County's composite risk score of 84.54 places it in the "Relatively Moderate" category, meaningfully higher than the national average. This elevated exposure reflects the east Texas county's vulnerability to severe weather and flooding.
Higher-risk than most Texas counties
With a score of 84.54 versus Texas's state average of 49.00, Henderson ranks among the higher-risk counties in the state. The county's position in east Texas exposes it to hazards that exceed typical statewide exposure.
Most threatened county in east Texas cluster
Henderson County's 84.54 score exceeds nearby Hopkins County (71.22) and Hill County (72.96), making it the highest-risk county in its region. Only Hays County and Hidalgo County statewide face greater overall composite risk.
Tornadoes and floods are your chief dangers
Tornado risk stands at 93.54, the second-highest statewide, while flood risk reaches 72.87, creating a one-two punch of severe weather threats. Wildfire risk of 75.48 adds a third significant hazard to the county's profile.
Strengthen tornado and flood protections
With tornado risk above 93 and flood risk above 72, Henderson residents need comprehensive homeowners insurance plus separate flood coverage and storm shelters. Ensure your policy covers wind damage from severe storms and verify flood coverage extends to your property's actual risk zone.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Henderson County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Henderson County
Risk Verdict
At the 85th percentile nationally, Henderson County sits in the upper half of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure. At this risk level, having a documented household preparedness plan — not just awareness — is the meaningful next step for Henderson County residents.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Henderson County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 94th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 75th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (73th percentile), hurricane (66th percentile), earthquake (51th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Tornado exposure at the 94th percentile nationally makes Henderson County a county where a battery-powered weather radio — not just smartphone apps — is a worthwhile household investment, given that mobile networks often fail during severe storms. The secondary wildfire hazard at the 75th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Henderson County's preparedness calendar, since wildfire and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. In Henderson County, tornado watches indicate favorable atmospheric conditions while warnings mean rotation has been detected — households benefit from understanding this distinction so they shelter immediately on a warning, not after seeking visual confirmation.
Regional Context
The Texas county average is 35.5 composite points below Henderson County's score, a gap that reflects the county's elevated position in the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for Henderson County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Henderson County, TX?
What types of natural hazards affect Henderson County?
How does Henderson County risk compare to the Texas average?
Is Henderson County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Henderson 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.