Pecos County Disaster Risk
Pecos County, Texas
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
25th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#182
of 254 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
24th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 24% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 65% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 26% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 21% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 30% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Pecos County, Texas
Pecos County ranks very low nationally
Pecos County's composite risk score of 25.13 places it well below the national average, marking it as a very low-risk area for natural disasters. Despite its remote West Texas location, the county benefits from lower exposure to the most destructive hazards.
Among Texas's safest counties
Pecos County's score of 25.13 is less than half the Texas state average of 49.00, positioning it among the state's lower-risk counties. This relative safety makes it an outlier even within West Texas.
Safer than surrounding West Texas counties
Pecos County (25.13) enjoys significantly lower risk than Potter County (90.49) to the north and Parmer (81.81) to the northeast, though it shares similar wildfire exposure with those neighbors. Its isolation and lower population density contribute to a smaller overall disaster footprint.
Wildfire represents the primary concern
Pecos County's wildfire risk (64.82) is its dominant hazard, while tornado (26.08), hurricane (30.45), and earthquake (20.74) risks remain relatively modest. The county's arid landscape makes wildfire preparation the key priority.
Focus on wildfire preparedness
Pecos County residents should ensure homeowners policies include wildfire coverage and maintain defensible space around structures through vegetation management. Standard policies may exclude wildfire, so confirm your coverage includes this hazard.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Pecos County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Pecos County
Risk Verdict
Pecos County sits in the lower tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure, ranked at the 25th percentile nationally. The 25th percentile national ranking is one lens; Pecos County residents also benefit from reviewing which specific hazard types drive the county's composite score and preparing accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Pecos County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 65th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 30th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (26th percentile), flood (24th percentile), earthquake (21th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 65th percentile nationally for wildfire risk, Pecos 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. A secondary hurricane exposure at the 30th percentile nationally means Pecos County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. 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 Pecos County residents.
Regional Context
Pecos County falls 23.9 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 Pecos County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Pecos County, TX?
What types of natural hazards affect Pecos County?
How does Pecos County risk compare to the Texas average?
Is Pecos County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Pecos 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.