Mitchell County Disaster Risk
Mitchell County, Texas
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
20th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#194
of 254 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
18th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 18% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 84% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 35% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 12% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 24% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Mitchell County, Texas
Mitchell's risk well below national norms
Mitchell County's composite risk score of 19.75 falls solidly in the Very Low category, substantially below the national average of roughly 50. The county enjoys meaningful protection from most major natural disaster hazards.
Well below Texas's average exposure
At 19.75, Mitchell's score is less than 40 percent of Texas's state average of 49.00, placing it among the state's safer counties. The county's West Texas location and geography create favorable natural disaster conditions.
Safer than most, riskier than a few
Mitchell's score of 19.75 beats most peers but ranks higher than Menard County (3.05) and Mills County (5.60), though far below Midland (81.20). Its position reflects typical West Texas disaster vulnerability—relatively contained.
Wildfire is the primary local hazard
Wildfire risk of 83.97 is Mitchell's highest exposure, reflecting dry conditions and vegetation typical of West Texas. Tornado risk at 35.40 represents a secondary but manageable threat; all other hazards remain minimal.
Basic insurance with wildfire awareness
Standard homeowners policies suffice for Mitchell's overall low-risk profile, though emphasize wildfire prevention and property maintenance. Keep gutters cleared, trim tree branches away from structures, and maintain defensible space around your home.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Mitchell County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Mitchell County
Risk Verdict
Mitchell County's natural disaster risk is among the lowest in the country, with a composite score at the 20th percentile nationally. A preparedness foundation — alert registration, household communication plan, and a basic supply review — costs little and remains valuable even at Mitchell County's favorable 20th percentile ranking.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Mitchell County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 84th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 35th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (24th percentile), flood (18th percentile), earthquake (12th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Wildfire is Mitchell County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 84th percentile nationally. Mitchell 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. A secondary tornado exposure at the 35th percentile nationally means Mitchell County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. For Mitchell 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 Mitchell County's score by 29.2 composite points — placing this county in the lower-risk tier relative to its in-state peers.
Is your household prepared for Mitchell County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Mitchell County, TX?
What types of natural hazards affect Mitchell County?
How does Mitchell County risk compare to the Texas average?
Is Mitchell County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Mitchell 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.