Oldham County Disaster Risk
Oldham County, Texas
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
10th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#216
of 254 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
2th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 2% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 66% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 19% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 15% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Oldham County, Texas
Oldham is America's safest county option
At 9.70, Oldham County ranks among the lowest composite risk scores in the entire United States, earning a Very Low rating. This score is 80% below Texas's state average of 49.00, making Oldham an exceptionally secure place to live.
Lowest-risk county in Texas
Oldham County stands at the very bottom of the risk hierarchy statewide, with minimal exposure to nearly all major hazard types. Its geographically isolated Panhandle location and sparse population density contribute to this remarkably favorable disaster profile.
Dramatically safer than regional peers
Oldham (9.70) is drastically safer than Ochiltree County (34.86), Palo Pinto (55.22), and Panola (55.44). In fact, Oldham's risk score is less than one-fifth that of its nearest neighboring county, creating a remarkable safety advantage in the Texas Panhandle.
Wildfire is the only meaningful concern
Wildfire risk sits at 66.13 in Oldham County—the sole hazard exceeding minimal thresholds. All other risks remain negligible, with flood at 1.62, tornado at 19.08, and earthquake at 15.20, making this county extraordinarily safe from multi-hazard exposure.
Standard coverage sufficient with vigilance
Oldham County's exceptional safety profile means standard homeowners insurance typically provides adequate protection for most residents. Focus wildfire preparedness on property maintenance and defensible space around structures, while standard policies handle the minimal flood and wind risks present in this uniquely safe county.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Oldham County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Oldham County
Risk Verdict
Oldham County's overall natural disaster score at the 10th percentile puts it well below the national median for hazard exposure. Oldham County's 10th percentile ranking is favorable, though every county carries at least one natural hazard worth knowing — reviewing the specific risks listed above helps households focus their preparedness where it matters most.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Oldham County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 66th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 19th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (15th percentile), flood (2th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With wildfire ranked at the 66th percentile nationally, Oldham County is in a zone where air quality can deteriorate rapidly before structures are threatened. An N95 respirator and a HEPA air purifier are practical items for Oldham County households to have on hand before fire season. A secondary tornado exposure at the 19th percentile nationally means Oldham County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. Defensible space, insurance review, and an evacuation plan are the three preparedness pillars for Oldham County households — and the insurance review is the one most often deferred by Oldham County residents and most costly to skip when a fire event actually occurs.
Regional Context
Oldham County's composite risk score sits 39.3 points below the Texas county average, reflecting a more favorable hazard environment than the state typical.
Is your household prepared for Oldham County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Oldham County, TX?
What types of natural hazards affect Oldham County?
How does Oldham County risk compare to the Texas average?
Is Oldham County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Oldham 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.