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

Kerr County Disaster Risk

Kerr County, Texas

FEMA Risk Rating

Relatively Low

National Percentile

77th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#62

of 254 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

85th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Moderate

Higher than 85% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Moderate

Higher than 84% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 79% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Very Low

Higher than 16% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 62% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Kerr County, Texas

Kerr faces significantly elevated disaster risk

Kerr County's composite score of 77.16 ranks above the national average, carrying a "Relatively Low" rating that underestimates its concentrated vulnerabilities. Multiple hazard types—flood, wildfire, and tornado—all score in the upper ranges.

Kerr ranks among Texas's riskier counties

At 77.16 versus Texas's state average of 49.00, Kerr ranks in the upper tier of statewide risk exposure. The Hill Country terrain and seasonal storm patterns create compounding hazards across multiple categories.

Kerr is riskier than most surrounding counties

Kerr's score of 77.16 exceeds Kendall County (65.49), Kimble County (32.16), and Kinney County (2.19) significantly. Only Kaufman County (76.18) approaches Kerr's risk level, marking both as regional hotspots.

Floods, wildfires, and tornadoes converge

Kerr faces flood risk of 85.24, wildfire risk of 84.45, and tornado risk of 78.88—a triple threat among the highest in Texas. Hill Country geography amplifies flood danger during heavy rainfall, while dry seasons fuel wildfire conditions.

Comprehensive coverage across all major threats

Your homeowner's policy must include flood, wildfire, and hail coverage—standard homeowner's insurance excludes floods, so purchase a separate policy. Install gutters and drainage systems, clear defensible space around structures, and maintain roof integrity for maximum protection.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Kerr County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    FloodPrepare
    85th percentile
  2. #2
    WildfirePrepare
    84th percentile
  3. #3
    TornadoPrepare
    79th percentile

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

Risk Advisory: Kerr County

Risk Verdict

Kerr County has a below-average natural disaster risk profile, scoring at the 77th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. 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

Flood risk is Kerr County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 85th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 84th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (79th percentile), hurricane (62th percentile), earthquake (16th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Kerr County's top natural hazard is flood risk, ranked at the 85th percentile nationally. Homeowners here should confirm whether they are in a FEMA-designated flood zone and check if standard homeowners insurance covers flood damage — it typically does not. The county's second-ranked hazard, wildfire at the 84th percentile nationally, means Kerr County residents face compounding risks from multiple natural hazard types during peak seasons. For most Kerr County households, the highest-return preparedness step is storing critical documents in digital cloud backup combined with a pre-designated family meeting point if communication is disrupted.

Regional Context

Kerr County's composite risk score sits 28.2 points above the Texas county average, placing it among the more hazard-exposed counties in the state.

Is your household prepared for Kerr 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 Kerr County, TX?
Kerr County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Relatively Low, placing it in the 77th 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 Kerr County?
Kerr County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: flooding (85th percentile), wildfire (84th percentile), tornado (79th percentile), hurricane (62th percentile), earthquake (16th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is flooding at the 85th 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 Kerr County risk compare to the Texas average?
Kerr County's composite risk percentile is 77th, compared to the Texas state average of 49th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Kerr County faces higher natural disaster risk than the typical county in Texas.
Is Kerr County at risk for flooding?
Yes, Kerr County's flooding risk is at the 85th percentile nationally. This places it in the top quartile for this hazard type.
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 Kerr County higher risk than average?
Kerr County's composite risk score of 77th percentile is above the Texas state average of 49th percentile. This elevated risk is driven by flooding exposure (85th percentile), along with wildfire and tornado and hurricane risk. Geographic location, terrain, climate patterns, and proximity to flood zones or fault lines all influence a county's risk profile.
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.