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

Kleberg County Disaster Risk

Kleberg County, Texas

FEMA Risk Rating

Relatively Moderate

National Percentile

84th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#37

of 254 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

55th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 55% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 67% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 50% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Very Low

Higher than 19% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Moderate

Higher than 94% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Kleberg County, Texas

Kleberg's risk beats the national average

With a composite risk score of 84.41, Kleberg County faces above-average natural disaster risk compared to most U.S. counties. This "Relatively Moderate" rating reflects concentrated vulnerability to specific hazards—particularly hurricane exposure that far exceeds typical American counties.

Among Texas's highest-risk counties

Kleberg ranks in the upper tier of Texas counties for disaster risk, with its 84.41 score significantly above the state average of 49.00. The county's exposure to Gulf Coast storms drives much of this elevated profile.

Riskier than most surrounding counties

Kleberg's composite risk of 84.41 substantially exceeds nearby La Salle County (22.55) and Lee County (40.46), making it the clear risk leader in its region. Only Lavaca County to the northeast (78.94) comes close to Kleberg's vulnerability level.

Hurricanes and flooding dominate here

Hurricane risk reaches 93.91—nearly double the state average—making tropical storms the county's defining hazard. Flood risk of 55.34 compounds this threat, with storm surge and heavy rainfall creating compounded exposure along the coastal corridor.

Hurricane coverage is non-negotiable

Kleberg County residents must prioritize comprehensive hurricane and flood insurance, given exposure scores of 93.91 and 55.34 respectively. Standard homeowners policies typically exclude hurricane damage; consider a dedicated wind coverage rider or separate flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Kleberg County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    HurricanePrepare
    94th percentile
  2. #2
    WildfirePrepare
    67th percentile
  3. #3
    FloodPrepare
    55th percentile

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

Risk Advisory: Kleberg County

Risk Verdict

With a composite score at the 84th percentile, Kleberg County sits above the national median for natural hazard exposure. Proactive preparedness — not reactive response — is key to managing life in one of the country's higher-risk counties; Kleberg County residents should plan accordingly.

Hazard Breakdown

Hurricane risk is Kleberg County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 94th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 67th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (55th percentile), tornado (50th percentile), earthquake (19th percentile).

Preparedness Context

At the 94th percentile nationally for hurricane exposure, Kleberg County households benefit from reviewing both homeowners and flood insurance coverage before storm season begins — standard policies often exclude storm surge, which is the leading cause of hurricane fatalities. Wildfire, the county's second-ranked hazard at the 67th percentile nationally, represents an additional preparedness consideration for Kleberg County independent of hurricane season. Hurricane-force winds cause direct property damage, but storm surge causes the majority of hurricane-related deaths. Kleberg County households near tidal water or low-elevation areas should verify whether they are in a storm surge risk zone.

Regional Context

At 35.4 points above the Texas state average, Kleberg County carries meaningfully higher natural disaster exposure than a typical Texas county.

Is your household prepared for Kleberg 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 Kleberg County, TX?
Kleberg County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Relatively Moderate, placing it in the 84th 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 Kleberg County?
Kleberg County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: hurricane (94th percentile), wildfire (67th percentile), flooding (55th percentile), tornado (50th percentile), earthquake (19th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is hurricane at the 94th 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 Kleberg County risk compare to the Texas average?
Kleberg County's composite risk percentile is 84th, compared to the Texas state average of 49th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Kleberg County faces higher natural disaster risk than the typical county in Texas.
Is Kleberg County at risk for hurricane?
Yes, Kleberg County's hurricane risk is at the 94th percentile nationally. This places it in the top quartile for this hazard type. For flooding specifically, Kleberg County is at the 55th 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 Kleberg County higher risk than average?
Kleberg County's composite risk score of 84th percentile is above the Texas state average of 49th percentile. This elevated risk is driven by hurricane exposure (94th percentile), along with wildfire and flooding 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.