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

Johnson County Disaster Risk

Johnson County, Texas

FEMA Risk Rating

Relatively Moderate

National Percentile

87th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#29

of 254 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

81th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 81% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Relatively High

Higher than 94% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Relatively High

Higher than 98% 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 53% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Johnson County, Texas

Johnson faces elevated disaster risks

Johnson County's composite risk score of 86.67 ranks it in the relatively moderate category, approaching 1.8 times the Texas state average of 49.00. This North-Central Texas county ranks among the nation's higher-risk communities.

Well above-average risk for Texas

Johnson County's 86.67 score places it firmly in the upper tier of Texas's 254 counties, driven by exceptionally high tornado and wildfire hazards. Among the state's highest-risk areas, this ranking demands serious preparedness attention.

Riskier than nearby North Texas

Johnson County's composite score significantly exceeds most neighboring North-Central Texas counties, with tornado risk (98.09) ranking near the absolute state maximum. Its position in Tornado Alley makes it substantially more vulnerable than many surrounding areas.

Tornadoes and wildfires dominate

Tornado risk reaches 98.09—nearly the highest possible score—making Johnson County exceptionally vulnerable to severe spring weather. Wildfire risk (94.37) presents a secondary major hazard, while flood risk (80.85) compounds seasonal weather threats.

Storm safety and insurance priority

Johnson County residents need homeowners insurance with adequate wind and hail coverage to protect against tornado damage. Additionally, consider a reinforced safe room or tornado shelter, and ensure your policy covers all structures on your property.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Johnson County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    TornadoPrepare
    98th percentile
  2. #2
    WildfirePrepare
    94th percentile
  3. #3
    FloodPrepare
    81th percentile

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

Local Resources

Risk Advisory: Johnson County

Risk Verdict

Johnson County faces a moderate natural disaster risk profile, ranking at the 87th 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 Johnson County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 98th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 94th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (81th percentile), hurricane (53th percentile), earthquake (51th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Tornado risk is Johnson County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 98th percentile nationally. For Johnson 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. Wildfire is the second hazard driver for Johnson County at the 94th percentile nationally, meaning households should maintain awareness of both severe-weather and wildfire-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 Johnson County, since it delivers warnings even when power is out and phone networks are congested.

Regional Context

Johnson County's composite risk score sits 37.7 points above the Texas county average, placing it among the more hazard-exposed counties in the state.

Is your household prepared for Johnson 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 Johnson County, TX?
Johnson County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Relatively Moderate, placing it in the 87th 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 Johnson County?
Johnson County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: tornado (98th percentile), wildfire (94th percentile), flooding (81th percentile), hurricane (53th percentile), earthquake (51th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is tornado at the 98th 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 Johnson County risk compare to the Texas average?
Johnson County's composite risk percentile is 87th, compared to the Texas state average of 49th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Johnson County faces higher natural disaster risk than the typical county in Texas.
Is Johnson County at risk for tornado?
Yes, Johnson County's tornado risk is at the 98th percentile nationally. This places it in the top quartile for this hazard type. For flooding specifically, Johnson County is at the 81th 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 Johnson County higher risk than average?
Johnson County's composite risk score of 87th percentile is above the Texas state average of 49th percentile. This elevated risk is driven by tornado exposure (98th percentile), along with wildfire and flooding and hurricane and earthquake 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

Randall County

Texas

+0.1

Relatively Moderate

87th percentile

Jim Wells County

Texas

-0.2

Relatively Moderate

87th percentile

Victoria County

Texas

-0.2

Relatively Moderate

86th 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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