Midland County Disaster Risk
Midland County, Texas
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
81th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#47
of 254 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
81th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 81% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 93% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 91% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 37% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 38% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Midland County, Texas
Midland faces above-average disaster risk
Midland County's composite risk score of 81.20 significantly exceeds the national average of roughly 50, landing in the Relatively Moderate category. This Permian Basin county confronts genuine multi-hazard exposure that demands resident preparedness.
Among Texas's higher-risk counties
Midland's score of 81.20 towers above Texas's state average of 49.00, positioning it in the state's top tier of vulnerable counties. The county's composite risk is second only to McLennan in this eight-county set.
Significantly riskier than most neighbors
Midland's score of 81.20 far exceeds nearby Mitchell County (19.75) and Menard County (3.05), reflecting its exposed geographic position. Only McLennan County (91.22) faces comparable overall hazard exposure in the broader region.
Wildfire and tornado lead the threats
Wildfire risk scores 93.10 and tornado risk hits 91.44 in Midland County—both exceptionally high exposure levels. Flood risk at 80.50 adds a third serious hazard that residents must prepare for year-round.
Invest in comprehensive multi-hazard coverage
Midland residents should layer homeowners insurance with separate windstorm and flood policies to cover all major exposures. Review and test your evacuation plan twice yearly and maintain 30 feet of defensible space around your home.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Midland County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Midland County
Risk Verdict
With a composite score at the 81th percentile, Midland County sits above the national median for natural hazard exposure. Proactive preparedness — not reactive response — is key to managing life in one of the country's higher-risk counties; Midland County residents should plan accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Midland County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 93th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 91th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (81th percentile), hurricane (38th percentile), earthquake (37th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 93th percentile nationally for wildfire risk, Midland County households benefit from creating defensible space — a buffer of reduced vegetation around structures — and reviewing whether homeowners insurance covers wildfire damage in this region. A secondary tornado exposure at the 91th percentile nationally means Midland County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. Enrolling in the county's wireless emergency alert system and keeping a vehicle at least half-full during peak fire season are low-cost habits that dramatically reduce evacuation lag time for Midland County residents.
Regional Context
At 32.2 points above the Texas state average, Midland County carries meaningfully higher natural disaster exposure than a typical Texas county.
Is your household prepared for Midland County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Midland County, TX?
What types of natural hazards affect Midland County?
How does Midland County risk compare to the Texas average?
Is Midland County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Midland 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.