Parker County Disaster Risk
Parker County, Texas
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
81th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#49
of 254 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
72th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 72% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively High
Higher than 96% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively High
Higher than 96% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 41% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 45% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Parker County, Texas
Parker County faces above-average risk
At 81.11, Parker County's composite risk score is 66% above the Texas state average of 49.00, earning a Relatively Moderate rating. This North Texas county ranks among the nation's more hazardous regions, reflecting its position in a tornado and wildfire-prone zone.
Upper-risk tier among Texas counties
Parker County ranks in the high-risk band statewide, driven by extreme wildfire and tornado exposure that characterizes North Texas. The county's composite score places it well into the upper quartile of Texas risk profiles, making disaster preparedness a serious priority.
Riskier than most surrounding areas
Parker County (81.11) significantly exceeds Palo Pinto (55.22) and Panola (55.44), approaching the vulnerability levels of Orange County (85.91) and Nueces County (96.63). Its exceptional wildfire and tornado exposure makes it one of North Texas's most hazardous counties for property owners.
Wildfire and tornado are existential
Wildfire risk soars to 96.25 and tornado risk reaches 96.22—both among the highest in Texas and the nation. Flood risk at 72.42 adds a third significant concern, while earthquake (41.44) and hurricane (45.18) remain secondary, making Parker County a fire-and-wind-dominated disaster zone.
Wildfire and tornado coverage are critical
Verify that your homeowners policy covers both wildfire and tornado damage with appropriate deductibles and limits—these are non-negotiable in Parker County. Consider a separate windstorm policy if available, review your flood coverage, and invest in property hardening (defensive landscaping, metal roofing) to reduce vulnerability to the county's twin fire-and-wind threats.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Parker County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Parker County
Risk Verdict
At the 81th percentile nationally, Parker County sits in the upper half of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure. At this risk level, having a documented household preparedness plan — not just awareness — is the meaningful next step for Parker County residents.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Parker County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 96th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 96th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (72th percentile), hurricane (45th percentile), earthquake (41th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Parker County sits at the 96th percentile for wildfire exposure. Signing up for Parker 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. The county's tornado exposure at the 96th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. In Parker 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
The Texas county average is 32.1 composite points below Parker County's score, a gap that reflects the county's elevated position in the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for Parker County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Parker County, TX?
What types of natural hazards affect Parker County?
How does Parker County risk compare to the Texas average?
Is Parker County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Parker 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.