Nolan County Disaster Risk
Nolan County, Texas
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
38th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#151
of 254 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
29th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 29% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 87% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 63% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 17% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 27% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Nolan County, Texas
Nolan County sits well below national risk
With a composite risk score of 37.85 and a Very Low rating, Nolan County faces significantly less natural disaster risk than the typical U.S. county. The county's overall exposure is roughly 23% lower than the state average of 49.00, positioning it among the safer regions in Texas for residents and property owners.
Among Texas's safest counties
Nolan County ranks in the bottom tier of risk across all Texas counties, thanks to its very low composite score. This favorable standing reflects limited exposure to most major hazard types, making it a relatively stable place to build and invest.
Safer than surrounding West Texas
Compared to nearby counties, Nolan sits in the lower-risk spectrum with its 37.85 score. Neighbors like Palo Pinto County (55.22) and Panola County (55.44) face meaningfully higher composite risk, making Nolan a relative haven in the region.
Wildfire and tornado are top concerns
Wildfire risk peaks at 86.61—the county's dominant hazard—followed by tornado risk at 62.69, both well above typical thresholds. Flood, hurricane, and earthquake risks all remain minimal, with scores under 30, so property protection should focus on wind and fire resilience.
Prioritize windstorm and fire coverage
Standard homeowners insurance should cover tornado damage, but verify your wildfire coverage—especially if you live near grassland or have brush nearby. Consider a separate windstorm policy if your standard homeowners plan excludes it, since Nolan's wildfire and tornado exposure warrant comprehensive wind and fire protection.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Nolan County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Nolan County
Risk Verdict
Compared to the nation's 3,144 counties, Nolan County ranks at the 38th percentile for natural disaster risk — toward the safer end of the spectrum. Even at the 38th percentile, Nolan County's composite score reflects real hazard exposure categories — knowing which ones apply locally enables targeted, efficient household preparedness.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Nolan County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 87th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 63th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (29th percentile), hurricane (27th percentile), earthquake (17th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Nolan County sits at the 87th percentile for wildfire exposure. Signing up for Nolan County's county emergency alert system and knowing the pre-planned evacuation route before conditions deteriorate are the two highest-value preparedness actions for residents here. A secondary tornado exposure at the 63th percentile nationally means Nolan County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. In Nolan County, wildfire smoke often precedes the flame front by hours or days; households benefit from tracking EPA's AirNow.gov and having HEPA air filtration available as a first line of indoor protection when air quality alerts are issued.
Regional Context
At 11.2 points below the Texas state average, Nolan County is among the lower-risk counties in the state for natural disaster exposure.
Is your household prepared for Nolan County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Nolan County, TX?
What types of natural hazards affect Nolan County?
How does Nolan County risk compare to the Texas average?
Is Nolan County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Nolan 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.