Marion County Disaster Risk
Marion County, Texas
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
29th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#172
of 254 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
26th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 26% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 51% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 54% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 32% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 52% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Marion County, Texas
Marion County's disaster risk is comfortably low nationally
With a composite risk score of 29.17, Marion County sits well below the national average and carries a "Very Low" overall rating. The county's risk profile is favorable compared to most U.S. counties, though certain regional hazards merit attention. This positioning reflects the county's fortunate geography relative to major disaster corridors.
Safer than average among Texas counties
Marion County's score of 29.17 falls meaningfully below Texas' state average of 49.00, placing it in the safer tier of the state's counties. The county avoids the most severe wildfire and extended drought zones affecting West Texas. However, its East Texas location brings meaningful hurricane and tornado exposure compared to inland West Texas counties.
Mid-range risk within East Texas region
Marion County (29.17) sits between Madison County (34.89) and safer neighbors like Mason (10.97) and McCulloch (10.05) in the regional risk hierarchy. The county experiences higher earthquake risk (32.19) than many Texas counties, though still minimal in absolute terms. Its position near the Sabine River adds flood complexity not found in drier western regions.
Tornado and hurricane risks define Marion's exposure
Tornado risk (54.01) and hurricane risk (51.69) are Marion County's primary natural disaster concerns, reflecting its East Texas location between Gulf storm paths and tornado alley. Wildfire risk (51.08) also registers meaningfully, driven by pine forest coverage and seasonal dry spells. These three hazards account for the bulk of the county's composite risk.
Secure windstorm coverage and storm shelters
Marion County homeowners must prioritize comprehensive windstorm and hail coverage in their insurance policies, given tornado and hurricane risks of 54.01 and 51.69 respectively. Storm shelter construction or identification is essential for family protection during severe weather. Wildfire-defensible space around homes should also be maintained, particularly given the county's 51.08 wildfire risk score.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Marion County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Marion County
Risk Verdict
Marion County sits in the lower tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure, ranked at the 29th percentile nationally. A preparedness foundation — alert registration, household communication plan, and a basic supply review — costs little and remains valuable even at Marion County's favorable 29th percentile ranking.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Marion County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 54th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 52th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (51th percentile), earthquake (32th percentile), flood (26th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 54th percentile nationally for tornado risk, Marion County households benefit most from a reliable alert system — a NOAA weather radio that activates during overnight hours when residents may not be checking smartphone alerts. The secondary hurricane hazard at the 52th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Marion County's preparedness calendar, since hurricane and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. For Marion County households, a pre-decided family shelter plan — who goes where, how children are retrieved from school during a warning, and a neighborhood meet-up point if phones fail — provides real protection that no supply kit alone can replicate.
Regional Context
Marion County falls 19.8 points below Texas's typical county risk level, making it one of the safer natural-hazard environments in the state.
Is your household prepared for Marion County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Marion County, TX?
What types of natural hazards affect Marion County?
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Is Marion 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.