Knox County Disaster Risk
Knox County, Texas
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
18th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#197
of 254 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
5th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 5% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 44% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 28% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 16% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 29% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Knox County, Texas
Knox County faces minimal national risk
Knox County's composite risk score of 17.84 places it well below the national average, earning a "Very Low" rating. The county's remote location and distance from major hazard zones create one of Texas's safest natural disaster profiles.
Among Texas's safest counties
With a composite score of 17.84 versus Texas's state average of 49.00, Knox County ranks as one of the state's lowest-risk areas. This score reflects limited exposure to most major natural hazards.
Safer than comparable Texas counties
Knox County's risk score of 17.84 is substantially lower than neighboring Lamb County (61.23) and La Salle County (22.55). Among its peers, Knox stands out as exceptionally protected from major disaster exposure.
Wildfire presents the clearest threat
Wildfire risk of 43.67 represents Knox County's most elevated hazard, though still below state averages. Tornado and hurricane risks remain minimal at 28.15 and 28.99 respectively.
Standard homeowners coverage generally sufficient
Knox County's low overall risk profile means standard homeowners insurance typically provides adequate protection for most residents. Nonetheless, those in rural areas should maintain defensible space and brush clearance to reduce wildfire vulnerability.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Knox County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Knox County
Risk Verdict
Knox County's overall natural disaster score at the 18th percentile puts it well below the national median for hazard exposure. A preparedness foundation — alert registration, household communication plan, and a basic supply review — costs little and remains valuable even at Knox County's favorable 18th percentile ranking.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Knox County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 44th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 29th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (28th percentile), earthquake (16th percentile), flood (5th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With wildfire ranked at the 44th percentile nationally, Knox County is in a zone where air quality can deteriorate rapidly before structures are threatened. An N95 respirator and a HEPA air purifier are practical items for Knox County households to have on hand before fire season. A secondary hurricane exposure at the 29th percentile nationally means Knox County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. Defensible space, insurance review, and an evacuation plan are the three preparedness pillars for Knox County households — and the insurance review is the one most often deferred by Knox County residents and most costly to skip when a fire event actually occurs.
Regional Context
Knox County's composite risk score sits 31.2 points below the Texas county average, reflecting a more favorable hazard environment than the state typical.
Is your household prepared for Knox County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Knox County, TX?
What types of natural hazards affect Knox County?
How does Knox County risk compare to the Texas average?
Is Knox County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Knox County a safe place to live?
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.