Palo Pinto County Disaster Risk
Palo Pinto County, Texas
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
55th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#125
of 254 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
60th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 60% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 90% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 62% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 27% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 43% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Palo Pinto County, Texas
Palo Pinto ranks moderately above average
At 55.22, Palo Pinto County's composite risk score exceeds the Texas state average of 49.00 by about 13%, earning a Relatively Low rating. While above-average for Texas, the county remains well below the riskiest counties nationally, positioning it as moderately exposed.
Mid-tier risk among Texas counties
Palo Pinto ranks in the moderate-risk band statewide, with exposure slightly above the state median. The county's North Texas location puts it in a zone where wildfire and tornado represent ongoing concerns, though hurricane and flood risks remain comparatively modest.
Higher risk than West Texas peers
Palo Pinto (55.22) exceeds Nolan (37.85) and Ochiltree (34.86) but closely mirrors Panola County (55.44). Compared to higher-risk neighbors like Parker County (81.11), Palo Pinto sits in a safer middle ground, though its wildfire exposure still warrants attention.
Wildfire leads with tornado as second
Wildfire risk dominates at 90.27, placing Palo Pinto among Texas's most fire-prone counties, while tornado risk follows at 61.83. Flood (59.89) and hurricane (43.47) risks are moderate, making fire and wind the primary concerns for property owners in this North Texas region.
Prioritize wildfire and wind protection
Ensure your homeowners policy explicitly covers wildfire and tornado damage, as Palo Pinto's elevated exposure makes these critical protections. Review deductibles carefully—higher wind deductibles may reduce premiums but increase out-of-pocket costs when storms strike, so balance affordability with realistic coverage needs.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Palo Pinto County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Palo Pinto County
Risk Verdict
Palo Pinto County has a below-average natural disaster risk profile, scoring at the 55th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Households in Palo Pinto County benefit from knowing which individual hazard types — flood, wildfire, tornado, or hurricane — are the primary contributors.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Palo Pinto County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 90th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 62th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (60th percentile), hurricane (43th percentile), earthquake (27th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Wildfire is Palo Pinto County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 90th percentile nationally. Palo Pinto 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. Alongside wildfire, tornado at the 62th percentile nationally means a multi-season preparedness mindset — fire season and flood or storm season often require different household plans. For Palo Pinto 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
Palo Pinto County's composite risk score sits 6.2 points above the Texas county average, placing it among the more hazard-exposed counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Palo Pinto County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Palo Pinto County, TX?
What types of natural hazards affect Palo Pinto County?
How does Palo Pinto County risk compare to the Texas average?
Is Palo Pinto County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Palo Pinto 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.