Martin County Disaster Risk
Martin County, Texas
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
20th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#193
of 254 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
29th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 29% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 70% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 24% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 10% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 20% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Martin County, Texas
Martin County is among America's safest counties
Martin County's composite risk score of 19.97 ranks it among the lowest-risk counties in the United States, well below the national average. The county earns a "Very Low" disaster risk rating, reflecting minimal exposure to most major natural hazards. This exceptional safety profile positions Martin County as a remarkably low-risk location for residents and properties.
One of Texas' lowest-risk counties overall
Martin County's score of 19.97 sits dramatically below Texas' state average of 49.00, making it one of the safest counties in the state. The county's West Texas location shields it from Atlantic hurricane paths and major tornado corridors. This geographic advantage creates a particularly favorable natural disaster risk environment.
Among the safest in West Texas region
Martin County (19.97) rivals McCulloch County (10.05) and Mason County (10.97) as West Texas' lowest-risk counties, far outpacing Lynn County (23.00). The county's Permian Basin location avoids the wildfire-prone terrain that affects higher-elevation West Texas regions. Its low composite score reflects genuine geographic advantages rather than sparse settlement or underestimation.
Wildfire is Martin's only notable hazard exposure
Wildfire risk (69.88) stands as Martin County's sole significant natural hazard, driven by semi-arid grasslands and seasonal fire conditions. All other hazards—tornado (23.63), hurricane (20.19), earthquake (10.50), and flood (28.63)—remain well below state averages. This concentrated risk profile simplifies disaster preparedness for county residents.
Focus wildfire prep; minimal other insurance needed
Homeowners should implement wildfire-defensible space with cleared vegetation and fire-resistant roofing and gutters, given the 69.88 wildfire risk score. Standard homeowners insurance covering wind and weather is sufficient for tornado and severe storm protection. Flood and earthquake insurance are generally unnecessary for most Martin County properties.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Martin County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Martin County
Risk Verdict
Martin County's overall natural disaster score at the 20th percentile puts it well below the national median for hazard exposure. At the 20th percentile, Martin County's risk profile is among the more manageable in the country — the hazard-specific breakdown above shows where any remaining preparedness focus is best directed.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Martin County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 70th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 29th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (24th percentile), hurricane (20th percentile), earthquake (10th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With wildfire ranked at the 70th percentile nationally, Martin 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 Martin County households to have on hand before fire season. A secondary flood exposure at the 29th percentile nationally means Martin 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 Martin County households — and the insurance review is the one most often deferred by Martin County residents and most costly to skip when a fire event actually occurs.
Regional Context
Martin County's composite risk score sits 29.0 points below the Texas county average, reflecting a more favorable hazard environment than the state typical.
Is your household prepared for Martin County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Martin County, TX?
What types of natural hazards affect Martin County?
How does Martin County risk compare to the Texas average?
Is Martin County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Martin 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.