Houston County Disaster Risk
Houston County, Texas
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
61th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#107
of 254 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
40th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 40% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 78% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 64% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 31% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 78% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Houston County, Texas
Houston County's moderate risk profile
Houston County scores 60.66 on the composite risk scale, placing it above the national average and reflecting a relatively low overall risk rating. This score indicates the county faces moderate natural disaster exposure compared to the typical U.S. county, driven primarily by hurricane and wildfire threats.
Above average risk for Texas
At 60.66, Houston County ranks above Texas's state average composite risk score of 49.00, placing it in the upper-middle tier of risk among the state's 254 counties. The county's exposure is notably elevated by dual threats from hurricanes and wildfires.
Riskier than nearby counterparts
Houston County faces significantly higher risk than neighboring Angelina County and similar East Texas communities, primarily due to its higher hurricane risk score of 77.56. The county's wildfire risk of 77.80 also exceeds that of most immediate neighbors, creating a compounded hazard environment.
Hurricanes and wildfires dominate
Hurricane risk ranks highest at 77.56, reflecting the county's position in the coastal exposure zone where tropical systems regularly impact the region. Wildfire risk at 77.80 presents the second major threat, with tornado risk at 63.74 adding additional seasonal weather exposure.
Dual coverage protects Houston County homes
Given the elevated hurricane and wildfire risks, homeowners should prioritize comprehensive wind and hail coverage, plus verified wildfire insurance provisions in their policies. Flood insurance remains essential regardless of risk level, as it's typically excluded from standard homeowners policies.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Houston County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Houston County
Risk Verdict
Houston County ranks at the 61th percentile nationally for natural disaster risk — below the median for U.S. counties. Residents are encouraged to understand which hazards dominate locally and tailor their preparedness accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Houston County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 78th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 78th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (64th percentile), flood (40th percentile), earthquake (31th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Houston County's dominant hazard is wildfire, ranked at the 78th percentile nationally. Maintaining at least 30 feet of lean, clean vegetation around structures in Houston County and keeping gutters clear of debris significantly reduces ignition risk from wind-driven embers. Alongside wildfire, hurricane at the 78th percentile nationally means a multi-season preparedness mindset — fire season and flood or storm season often require different household plans. Houston 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
Compared to other Texas counties, Houston County runs 11.7 composite risk points higher than the state mean — reflecting above-average hazard concentration in this area.
Is your household prepared for Houston County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Houston County, TX?
What types of natural hazards affect Houston County?
How does Houston County risk compare to the Texas average?
Is Houston County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Houston 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.