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

Red River County Disaster Risk

Red River County, Texas

FEMA Risk Rating

Relatively Low

National Percentile

65th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#92

of 254 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

12th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Very Low

Higher than 12% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 59% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 73% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Very Low

Higher than 37% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 47% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Red River County, Texas

Red River County exceeds national risk average

Red River County scores 64.73 for composite disaster risk, earning a Relatively Low rating but running substantially above the national average. This score reflects a county where multiple hazards converge, creating above-typical exposure.

Higher risk than most Texas counties

At 64.73, Red River County ranks notably above Texas's 49.00 state average, placing it in the upper tier of risk across the state. This elevation stems from a particularly dangerous tornado and earthquake hazard combination.

Stands out for tornado and earthquake risk

Red River County faces a tornado risk of 72.74—among the state's highest—and an earthquake risk of 37.44 that far exceeds neighboring Bowie and Morris counties. These dual threats create a distinctive risk profile in northeast Texas.

Tornadoes pose the greatest threat here

Tornado risk dominates at 72.74, making Red River County part of Texas's tornado-prone north, with severe storm season bringing genuine danger each spring. Earthquake risk at 37.44 adds a secondary concern unusual for this region, linked to distant Caddo Parish activity.

Secure your home against severe wind

Red River County residents need robust homeowners coverage that explicitly includes tornado and hail damage, as standard policies may cap or exclude these losses. Reinforce your safe room or shelter area before severe weather season arrives each spring.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Red River County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    TornadoPrepare
    73th percentile
  2. #2
    WildfirePrepare
    59th percentile
  3. #3
    HurricanePrepare
    47th percentile

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

Risk Advisory: Red River County

Risk Verdict

Natural hazard pressure in Red River County is below the national midpoint, with a composite score at the 65th percentile. Proactive emergency planning and awareness of the specific hazards driving Red River County's score can meaningfully reduce household risk.

Hazard Breakdown

Tornado risk is Red River County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 73th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 59th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (47th percentile), earthquake (37th percentile), flood (12th percentile).

Preparedness Context

With tornado ranked at the 73th percentile nationally, Red River County sits in a high-exposure zone where the difference between outcomes often comes down to proximity to a reinforced interior shelter and seconds of warning time. The secondary wildfire hazard at the 59th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Red River County's preparedness calendar, since wildfire and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. For Red River County households, safe rooms certified to FEMA 320/361 standards offer the highest protection during a direct tornado hit; households without a safe room should locate the innermost lowest-floor room in their building and practice the route to it before storm season.

Regional Context

Red River County is 15.7 composite risk points above the Texas average, indicating that residents face greater natural hazard exposure than most of their in-state neighbors.

Is your household prepared for Red River 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 Red River County, TX?
Red River County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Relatively Low, placing it in the 65th 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 Red River County?
Red River County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: tornado (73th percentile), wildfire (59th percentile), hurricane (47th percentile), earthquake (37th percentile), flooding (12th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is tornado at the 73th 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 Red River County risk compare to the Texas average?
Red River County's composite risk percentile is 65th, compared to the Texas state average of 49th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Red River County faces higher natural disaster risk than the typical county in Texas.
Is Red River County at risk for tornado?
Yes, Red River County's tornado risk is at the 73th percentile nationally. This is above the national median. For flooding specifically, Red River County is at the 12th 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 Red River County higher risk than average?
Red River County's composite risk score of 65th percentile is above the Texas state average of 49th percentile. This elevated risk is driven by tornado exposure (73th percentile), along with wildfire risk. Geographic location, terrain, climate patterns, and proximity to flood zones or fault lines all influence a county's risk profile.
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.