Kaufman County Disaster Risk
Kaufman County, Texas
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
76th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#64
of 254 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
76th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 76% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 80% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 85% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 59% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 50% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Kaufman County, Texas
Kaufman ranks above US average risk
Kaufman County's composite risk score of 76.18 places it well above the national average, signaling elevated exposure to natural disasters. The county earns a "Relatively Low" rating overall, but this masks significant tornado and wildfire vulnerabilities that warrant preparation.
In Texas, Kaufman faces higher-than-average hazards
With a score of 76.18 versus Texas's state average of 49.00, Kaufman ranks among the riskier counties statewide. Tornadoes and wildfires pose the most substantial threats relative to other Texas counties.
Kaufman outpaces surrounding counties in risk
Neighboring counties like Kendall (65.49) and Kent (1.08) carry lower composite risk scores than Kaufman's 76.18. This positions Kaufman as a relative hotspot for severe weather in its region, particularly for tornado activity.
Tornadoes and wildfires dominate here
Tornado risk scores 84.61—among the highest in the state—while wildfire risk reaches 79.96, both well above Kaufman's overall composite score. Severe convective storms are the defining weather threat residents face year-round.
Fortify your home against violent storms
Strong tornado and severe storm insurance coverage is essential; verify your homeowner's policy includes comprehensive hail and wind damage protection. Consider reinforcing your garage doors, roof connections, and identifying a safe interior room as a shelter during tornado season.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Kaufman County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Kaufman County
Risk Verdict
Kaufman County sits below the national average for natural disaster exposure, ranking at the 76th percentile across all U.S. counties. Kaufman County's elevated composite score reflects cumulative multi-hazard exposure; households should prepare for the county's two or three primary hazard types.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Kaufman County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 85th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 80th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (76th percentile), earthquake (59th percentile), hurricane (50th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Ranked at the 85th percentile nationally for tornado risk, Kaufman County is in a zone where storm shelters have the highest per-dollar protective value of any mitigation investment. Kaufman County's county shelter map is typically available through the local emergency management office. Wildfire is the second hazard driver for Kaufman County at the 80th percentile nationally, meaning households should maintain awareness of both severe-weather and wildfire-specific warning systems. Kaufman County residents can check the county's emergency management website for community shelter locations nearest their address — a step worth completing now, not during a warning.
Regional Context
A composite score 27.2 points above the Texas state average puts Kaufman County in a higher-risk category than most counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Kaufman County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Kaufman County, TX?
What types of natural hazards affect Kaufman County?
How does Kaufman County risk compare to the Texas average?
Is Kaufman County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Kaufman 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.