McCulloch County Disaster Risk
McCulloch County, Texas
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
10th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#215
of 254 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
17th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 17% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 69% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 29% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 6% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 31% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in McCulloch County, Texas
McCulloch County ranks among nation's safest
McCulloch County's composite risk score of 10.05 places it among the lowest-risk counties in the United States, well below the national average. The county's "Very Low" rating reflects exceptional safety across most natural hazard categories. This extraordinary favorable profile makes McCulloch County one of America's most secure locations for residents and property owners.
Texas' safest or near-safest county overall
McCulloch County ranks as one of Texas' lowest-risk counties with a score of 10.05, dramatically below the state average of 49.00. The county's position in the Hill Country avoids Atlantic hurricane paths, tornado corridors, and major seismic zones that threaten other Texas regions. This geographic advantage creates unparalleled disaster safety within the state.
Tied with Mason County as safest in region
McCulloch County (10.05) ranks alongside Mason County (10.97) as the two safest counties in West Texas and the Hill Country region. Martin County (19.97) follows as the next-safest option, with Lynn County (23.00) completing the low-risk quartet. McCulloch's exceptional safety stands in stark contrast to higher-risk South Texas and coastal counties.
Wildfire is the only meaningful hazard
Wildfire risk (69.34) is McCulloch County's sole significant natural hazard concern, driven by Hill Country brush and grasslands. All other hazards measure exceptionally low: tornado (29.48), hurricane (30.62), flood (16.83), and earthquake (6.04). This narrow risk profile greatly simplifies disaster preparedness compared to multi-hazard counties.
Wildfire defense is your main insurance need
Homeowners should implement wildfire-defensible space with cleared brush, fire-resistant landscaping, and hardened roofing, addressing the 69.34 wildfire risk. Standard homeowners insurance covering basic wind and weather is more than adequate for the county's minimal tornado and hurricane threats. Flood and earthquake insurance are unnecessary for nearly all McCulloch County properties given their exceptionally low risk scores.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in McCulloch County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: McCulloch County
Risk Verdict
McCulloch County's natural disaster risk is among the lowest in the country, with a composite score at the 10th percentile nationally. Being ranked at the 10th percentile nationally is an advantage for McCulloch County — it means fewer statistically likely events, though basic readiness ensures households are covered when exceptions occur.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is McCulloch County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 69th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 31th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (29th percentile), flood (17th percentile), earthquake (6th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Wildfire is McCulloch County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 69th percentile nationally. McCulloch County residents should assess whether their property lies within or adjacent to a Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) zone, where ember transport and rapid spread pose the highest risk. The county's hurricane exposure at the 31th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. For McCulloch County households, a practiced evacuation plan — with a primary and backup route designated before a fire occurs — provides more protection than any structural improvement when a wildfire approaches fast-moving terrain.
Regional Context
The Texas county average exceeds McCulloch County's score by 39.0 composite points — placing this county in the lower-risk tier relative to its in-state peers.
Is your household prepared for McCulloch County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in McCulloch County, TX?
What types of natural hazards affect McCulloch County?
How does McCulloch County risk compare to the Texas average?
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Is McCulloch 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.