riskbycounty
FEMA NRI 1.19.0Updated Nov 2023 · Coverage 2014–2023Methodology

Ochiltree County Disaster Risk

Ochiltree County, Texas

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

35th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#158

of 254 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

7th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Very Low

Higher than 7% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 76% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 45% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Very Low

Higher than 32% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Very Low

Higher than 28% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Ochiltree County, Texas

Ochiltree ranks among America's safest

With a composite risk score of 34.86 and a Very Low rating, Ochiltree County is substantially safer than the national average. The county scores 29% below Texas's state average of 49.00, offering residents a genuinely low-risk environment.

Panhandle county with minimal exposure

Ochiltree ranks in the safest tier of Texas counties, with risk levels far below the state median. Its geographic position in the Texas Panhandle shields it from coastal and major storm corridors, creating a protective natural advantage.

Safer than most surrounding counties

Ochiltree (34.86) sits slightly below Oldham County (9.70) but well below Palo Pinto (55.22) and Panola (55.44). Among Texas Panhandle neighbors, Ochiltree ranks as one of the least hazardous places, though wildfire risk remains a localized concern.

Wildfire and tornado are isolated threats

Wildfire risk reaches 76.24 in Ochiltree, marking the county's primary natural disaster exposure, followed by tornado at 45.13. Flood, hurricane, and earthquake risks all remain minimal, with scores under 32, making targeted wind and fire preparedness the main focus.

Emphasize wildfire and wind coverage

Verify that your homeowners policy includes full coverage for wildfire and windstorm damage, as both present localized risks in Ochiltree. Standard coverage usually applies, but confirm deductibles and exclusions with your agent, particularly if you live near grassland or have timber on your property.

Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Ochiltree County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    WildfirePrepare
    76th percentile
  2. #2
    TornadoPrepare
    45th percentile
  3. #3
    EarthquakePrepare
    32th percentile

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)

Risk Advisory: Ochiltree County

Risk Verdict

Ochiltree County sits in the lower tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure, ranked at the 35th percentile nationally. At the 35th percentile, Ochiltree County's risk profile is among the more manageable in the country — the hazard-specific breakdown above shows where any remaining preparedness focus is best directed.

Hazard Breakdown

Wildfire risk is Ochiltree County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 76th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 45th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (32th percentile), hurricane (28th percentile), flood (7th percentile).

Preparedness Context

At the 76th percentile nationally for wildfire risk, Ochiltree 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. Alongside wildfire, tornado at the 45th percentile nationally means a multi-season preparedness mindset — fire season and flood or storm season often require different household plans. 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 Ochiltree County residents.

Regional Context

Ochiltree County falls 14.1 points below Texas's typical county risk level, making it one of the safer natural-hazard environments in the state.

Is your household prepared for Ochiltree County's hazards?

Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.

FEMA Ready Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the natural disaster risk in Ochiltree County, TX?
Ochiltree County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Very Low, placing it in the 35th percentile nationally out of 3,144 counties. This composite score reflects the county's overall exposure to natural hazards including floods, wildfires, tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes, weighted by expected annual loss and social vulnerability.
What types of natural hazards affect Ochiltree County?
Ochiltree County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: wildfire (76th percentile), tornado (45th percentile), earthquake (32th percentile), hurricane (28th percentile), flooding (7th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is wildfire at the 76th percentile nationally. These scores are derived from FEMA's National Risk Index, which analyzes expected annual loss, social vulnerability, and community resilience for each hazard type.
How does Ochiltree County risk compare to the Texas average?
Ochiltree County's composite risk percentile is 35th, compared to the Texas state average of 49th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Ochiltree County faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in Texas.
Is Ochiltree County at risk for wildfire?
Yes, Ochiltree County's wildfire risk is at the 76th percentile nationally. This places it in the top quartile for this hazard type. For flooding specifically, Ochiltree County is at the 7th percentile.
How is natural disaster risk measured?
FEMA's National Risk Index (NRI) calculates risk scores for 18 natural hazard types across all U.S. counties and census tracts. The composite score combines Expected Annual Loss (estimated dollar losses from each hazard), Social Vulnerability (demographic factors affecting disaster impact), and Community Resilience (ability to recover). Percentile scores rank each county against all 3,144 U.S. counties, and risk ratings range from Very Low to Very High.
Is Ochiltree County a safe place to live?
Ochiltree County's composite risk score of 35th percentile is below the Texas state average of 49th percentile, indicating relatively lower exposure to natural hazards. However, no county is completely risk-free. The primary hazard type is wildfire at the 76th percentile. Residents should still maintain emergency preparedness plans and appropriate insurance coverage.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

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.