Nacogdoches County Disaster Risk
Nacogdoches County, Texas
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
81th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#50
of 254 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
76th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 76% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 79% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively High
Higher than 95% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 49% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Moderate
Higher than 83% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Nacogdoches County, Texas
Nacogdoches: Elevated National Risk Level
Nacogdoches County scores 80.73 on the national composite risk scale, ranking as "Relatively Low" but exceeding Texas's state average of 49.00 by a significant margin. This East Texas county faces above-average disaster exposure, particularly from flood, tornado, and hurricane hazards.
High-Risk East Texas County
Nacogdoches ranks in the upper-middle tier of Texas counties for natural disaster risk, driven by its position in an active tornado corridor and exposure to tropical weather systems. The county's composite score places it among the state's more hazardous communities outside of coastal zones.
Riskier Than Most East Texas Peers
Nacogdoches's score of 80.73 exceeds surrounding rural East Texas counties like Morris (34.54) and Newton (27.16), reflecting its greater exposure to tornado and hurricane pathways. The county's risk profile more closely resembles central Texas communities than its immediate geographic neighbors.
Tornado and Hurricane Threats Dominate
Nacogdoches faces exceptional tornado risk at 94.94 and hurricane risk at 83.40, making severe convective and tropical storms the county's primary threats. Flood risk reaches 75.57, while wildfire (78.82) and earthquake (48.98) risks remain secondary concerns.
Multi-Hazard Protection Essential
Nacogdoches residents should carry comprehensive homeowners insurance with windstorm coverage and consider a separate flood policy given the county's flood exposure. Develop a tornado safety plan with a designated shelter, maintain landscaping to reduce wildfire risk, and keep emergency supplies stocked year-round.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Nacogdoches County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Nacogdoches County
Risk Verdict
At the 81th percentile nationally, Nacogdoches County experiences a manageable level of natural hazard risk that falls below the U.S. median. High composite risk signals that multiple hazard types are elevated simultaneously; planning for more than one scenario is important in Nacogdoches County.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Nacogdoches County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 95th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 83th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (79th percentile), flood (76th percentile), earthquake (49th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Nacogdoches County's primary hazard, tornado, ranks at the 95th percentile nationally. In Nacogdoches County, mobile homes and manufactured housing face significantly higher tornado risk than site-built structures; residents in these homes should identify the nearest permanent community shelter in advance. Hurricane is the second hazard driver for Nacogdoches County at the 83th percentile nationally, meaning households should maintain awareness of both severe-weather and hurricane-specific warning systems. The highest-risk window for tornado fatalities is overnight, when Nacogdoches County residents may be asleep. A NOAA weather radio with overnight alert capability is the single most impactful low-cost preparedness step available to Nacogdoches County households.
Regional Context
Nacogdoches County falls 31.7 points above Texas's typical county risk level, which means the hazard environment here is notably more demanding than the state baseline.
Is your household prepared for Nacogdoches County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Nacogdoches County, TX?
What types of natural hazards affect Nacogdoches County?
How does Nacogdoches County risk compare to the Texas average?
Is Nacogdoches County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Nacogdoches 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.