Matagorda County Disaster Risk
Matagorda County, Texas
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
80th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#51
of 254 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
68th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 68% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 74% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 60% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 20% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively High
Higher than 96% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Matagorda County, Texas
Matagorda County faces above-average national risk
Matagorda County's composite risk score of 80.34 significantly exceeds the national average, earning a "Relatively Low" rating despite substantial exposure to multiple hazards. The county's Gulf Coast location creates exceptional vulnerability to hurricanes (95.62) and coastal flooding (68.00). This above-average risk profile demands serious insurance and preparedness planning from all residents.
Faces significantly higher risk than most Texas counties
Matagorda County's score of 80.34 substantially exceeds Texas' state average of 49.00, placing it among the higher-risk counties in the state. The county's coastal geography creates hazard exposure that few inland Texas counties experience. Only a handful of other Texas coastal counties rival Matagorda's risk profile.
Highest-risk among nearby Gulf Coast counties
Matagorda County (80.34) faces notably higher composite risk than nearby Maverick County (64.15), which also registers substantial risk. The county's direct Gulf exposure far exceeds inland East Texas options like Madison (34.89) and Marion (29.17). Among coastal counties, Matagorda represents one of Texas' most hazard-exposed locations.
Hurricane threat dominates all other hazards combined
Hurricane risk reaches 95.62 in Matagorda County—the highest possible exposure and a critical concern for all residents and property owners. Flooding (68.00) and wildfire (73.70) represent secondary but still substantial threats driven by coastal geography and warm-season conditions. Tornado risk (59.70) also deserves preparedness attention, though it trails hurricane concerns significantly.
Hurricane insurance and storm hardening are essential
Matagorda County residents must secure comprehensive homeowners insurance with explicit windstorm and flood coverage, as standard policies often exclude these critical protections in coastal areas. Storm-resistant roof installation, elevated mechanical systems, and impact-resistant windows should be prioritized renovations. Flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or private carriers is essential given the 68.00 flood risk score.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Matagorda County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Matagorda County
Risk Verdict
Matagorda County has a below-average natural disaster risk profile, scoring at the 80th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. This risk level calls for more than general awareness: insurance coverage review, a family communication plan, and a prepared go-bag are practical priorities.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Matagorda County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 96th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 74th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (68th percentile), tornado (60th percentile), earthquake (20th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Hurricane risk is Matagorda County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 96th percentile nationally. The most time-sensitive preparedness step is knowing the county's evacuation zone for your address — zone maps are published by the county emergency management office. Wildfire, the county's second-ranked hazard at the 74th percentile nationally, represents an additional preparedness consideration for Matagorda County independent of hurricane season. Matagorda County's county emergency management office publishes official evacuation zone maps with zone-specific shelter locations; downloading this map and identifying your zone assignment is the single highest-value pre-season step.
Regional Context
Matagorda County's composite risk score sits 31.3 points above the Texas county average, placing it among the more hazard-exposed counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Matagorda County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Matagorda County, TX?
What types of natural hazards affect Matagorda County?
How does Matagorda County risk compare to the Texas average?
Is Matagorda County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Matagorda County higher risk than average?
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.