Jefferson County Disaster Risk
Jefferson County, Texas
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively High
National Percentile
96th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#14
of 254 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
91th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 91% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 92% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively High
Higher than 99% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 66% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively High
Higher than 98% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Jefferson County, Texas
Jefferson faces extreme disaster risk
Jefferson County's composite risk score of 95.67 places it in the relatively high category and nearly doubles Texas's state average of 49.00. This Southeast Texas county ranks among the nation's most hazard-exposed areas.
Among Texas's highest-risk counties
Jefferson County's 95.67 score ranks it near the top of all Texas counties for natural disaster vulnerability. Few Texas communities face the concentrated hazard exposure that characterizes this coastal industrial region.
Extreme risk dominates the coast
Jefferson County's scores far exceed most neighboring inland Texas counties, with tornado (98.51), hurricane (98.25), and wildfire (92.43) risks all critically elevated. Only other Gulf Coast counties approach this level of multi-hazard exposure.
Hurricanes, tornadoes, and flooding
Hurricane (98.25) and tornado (98.51) risks are exceptionally high, making Jefferson County extraordinarily vulnerable to severe weather. Flood risk (91.35) compounds the danger, as tropical systems and heavy rains frequently overwhelm drainage infrastructure.
Comprehensive coverage is essential
Jefferson County residents must secure flood insurance and windstorm/hurricane coverage immediately—these are not optional protections. Review all policies annually with an agent familiar with coastal Texas risks, and ensure coverage limits match current home values.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Jefferson County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Jefferson County
Risk Verdict
At the 96th percentile nationally, Jefferson County is among the more hazard-exposed counties in the United States. Proactive preparedness — not reactive response — is key to managing life in one of the country's higher-risk counties; Jefferson County residents should plan accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Jefferson County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 99th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 98th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (92th percentile), flood (91th percentile), earthquake (66th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 99th percentile nationally for tornado risk, Jefferson County households benefit most from a reliable alert system — a NOAA weather radio that activates during overnight hours when residents may not be checking smartphone alerts. Hurricane is the second hazard driver for Jefferson County at the 98th percentile nationally, meaning households should maintain awareness of both severe-weather and hurricane-specific warning systems. For Jefferson County households, a pre-decided family shelter plan — who goes where, how children are retrieved from school during a warning, and a neighborhood meet-up point if phones fail — provides real protection that no supply kit alone can replicate.
Regional Context
At 46.7 points above the Texas state average, Jefferson County carries meaningfully higher natural disaster exposure than a typical Texas county.
Is your household prepared for Jefferson County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Jefferson County, TX?
What types of natural hazards affect Jefferson County?
How does Jefferson County risk compare to the Texas average?
Is Jefferson County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Jefferson 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.