Madison County Disaster Risk
Madison County, Texas
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
35th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#157
of 254 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
24th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 24% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 48% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 55% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 18% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 79% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Madison County, Texas
Madison County risks remain safely below national average
Madison County's composite risk score of 34.89 places it well below the national average, earning a "Very Low" rating despite some elevated specific hazards. The county's overall disaster risk profile is favorable compared to typical U.S. counties. However, certain individual hazards—particularly hurricane and tornado risk—deserve specific attention.
Madison ranks in the safer half of Texas counties
At 34.89, Madison County scores notably below Texas' state average of 49.00, placing it in the lower-risk tier of counties statewide. The county benefits from a position that avoids the worst tornado alleys and wildfire zones that plague other Texas regions. However, its proximity to the Gulf makes hurricane risk a meaningful factor.
Comparable risk to Marion County, higher than Mason
Madison County's risk profile (34.89) closely mirrors Marion County (29.17) while exceeding safer neighbors like Mason County (10.97) and McCulloch County (10.05). The county sits in the middle range for the East Texas region, with moderately elevated hurricane and tornado exposure. Its inland position moderates coastal flooding threats that impact Gulf-facing counties.
Hurricane and tornado threats dominate Madison's hazards
Hurricane risk reaches 79.10 in Madison County—exceptionally high and a major concern for coastal-adjacent East Texas residents. Tornado risk follows at 55.44, representing a significant severe weather threat during spring months. Wildfire (47.84) and flood (23.82) risks remain secondary but warrant baseline preparedness.
Prioritize hurricane and tornado coverage now
Madison County residents must secure comprehensive homeowners insurance with explicit windstorm and hail coverage to address hurricane and tornado threats. Consider a separate windstorm policy if standard coverage limits are insufficient, given the county's elevated hurricane exposure of 79.10. Safe room construction or basement reinforcement should be evaluated for family safety during severe weather events.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Madison County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Madison County
Risk Verdict
Natural disaster exposure in Madison County is lower than roughly three-quarters of U.S. counties, with a composite score at the 35th percentile. Even at the 35th percentile, Madison County's composite score reflects real hazard exposure categories — knowing which ones apply locally enables targeted, efficient household preparedness.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Madison County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 79th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 55th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (48th percentile), flood (24th percentile), earthquake (18th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 79th percentile nationally for hurricane risk, Madison County is in a zone where flood insurance matters beyond the primary wind risk: NFIP flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period before taking effect, making off-season enrollment the correct timing. Madison County's tornado exposure at the 55th percentile nationally adds a hazard layer that can persist or intensify after hurricane-force winds have passed, particularly in low-lying inland areas. For Madison County households, the hurricane preparedness calendar matters: flood insurance has a 30-day waiting period, wind-hardening retrofits take weeks to schedule, and evacuation route scouting is best done before a storm watch is issued.
Regional Context
Madison County is 14.1 composite risk points below the Texas state mean, meaning most other Texas counties face higher natural hazard exposure.
Is your household prepared for Madison County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Madison County, TX?
What types of natural hazards affect Madison County?
How does Madison County risk compare to the Texas average?
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Is Madison 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.