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

Potter County Disaster Risk

Potter County, Texas

FEMA Risk Rating

Relatively Moderate

National Percentile

90th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#23

of 254 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

68th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 68% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Relatively High

Higher than 95% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Relatively High

Higher than 98% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 79% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Very Low

Higher than 0% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Potter County, Texas

Potter County ranks among highest-risk areas

Potter County's composite risk score of 90.49 places it well above the national average, marking it as a relatively moderate-risk area for natural disasters. This elevated score reflects exceptional exposure to tornado and wildfire hazards.

Texas's most hazardous county cluster

With a composite score of 90.49, Potter County significantly exceeds Texas's state average of 49.00 and ranks among the state's highest-risk counties. The panhandle's exposed geography drives this dangerous profile.

Part of a high-risk panhandle corridor

Potter County (90.49) shares extreme risk with neighboring Randall County (86.77) and Parmer County (81.81), creating a panhandle hotspot for natural disasters. All three counties face nearly identical tornado and wildfire threats from the plains geography.

Tornadoes and wildfires dominate

Potter County faces exceptional tornado risk (97.71) and wildfire risk (95.13), along with elevated earthquake risk (79.07) and flood risk (68.03). Notably, hurricane risk is zero due to the county's distance from coastal areas.

Prepare for severe wind and fire

Potter County residents should prioritize comprehensive wind and hail insurance to protect against tornado damage, plus wildfire coverage for properties in vulnerable areas. Ensure your policy specifically covers wind-driven damage and test your basement or safe room annually.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Potter County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    TornadoPrepare
    98th percentile
  2. #2
    WildfirePrepare
    95th percentile
  3. #3
    EarthquakePrepare
    79th percentile

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

Local Resources

Risk Advisory: Potter County

Risk Verdict

Potter County registers a moderately elevated natural disaster risk, ranking at the 90th percentile across all U.S. counties. High composite risk signals that multiple hazard types are elevated simultaneously; planning for more than one scenario is important in Potter County.

Hazard Breakdown

Tornado risk is Potter County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 98th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 95th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (79th percentile), flood (68th percentile), hurricane (0th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Potter County's primary hazard, tornado, ranks at the 98th percentile nationally. In Potter County, mobile homes and manufactured housing face significantly higher tornado risk than site-built structures; residents in these homes should identify the nearest permanent community shelter in advance. The secondary wildfire hazard at the 95th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Potter County's preparedness calendar, since wildfire and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. The highest-risk window for tornado fatalities is overnight, when Potter County residents may be asleep. A NOAA weather radio with overnight alert capability is the single most impactful low-cost preparedness step available to Potter County households.

Regional Context

Potter County falls 41.5 points above Texas's typical county risk level, which means the hazard environment here is notably more demanding than the state baseline.

Is your household prepared for Potter 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 Potter County, TX?
Potter County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Relatively Moderate, placing it in the 90th 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 Potter County?
Potter County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: tornado (98th percentile), wildfire (95th percentile), earthquake (79th percentile), flooding (68th percentile), hurricane (0th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is tornado at the 98th 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 Potter County risk compare to the Texas average?
Potter County's composite risk percentile is 90th, compared to the Texas state average of 49th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Potter County faces higher natural disaster risk than the typical county in Texas.
Is Potter County at risk for tornado?
Yes, Potter County's tornado risk is at the 98th percentile nationally. This places it in the top quartile for this hazard type. For flooding specifically, Potter County is at the 68th 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.
Why is Potter County higher risk than average?
Potter County's composite risk score of 90th percentile is above the Texas state average of 49th percentile. This elevated risk is driven by tornado exposure (98th percentile), along with wildfire and earthquake and flooding risk. Geographic location, terrain, climate patterns, and proximity to flood zones or fault lines all influence a county's risk profile.

Counties with Similar Risk

Hays County

Texas

+0.1

Relatively Moderate

91th percentile

Williamson County

Texas

-0.4

Relatively Moderate

90th percentile

Bell County

Texas

+0.6

Relatively Moderate

91th percentile

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.

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