Rusk County Disaster Risk
Rusk County, Texas
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
54th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#129
of 254 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
46th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 46% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 73% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 75% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 44% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 72% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Rusk County, Texas
Rusk County's risk outpaces the nation
With a composite risk score of 54.01, Rusk County faces above-average natural disaster risk compared to the U.S. average of 44.0. The county's "Relatively Low" rating means it experiences moderate exposure to multiple hazard types, particularly tornados and wildfires.
Above average for Texas counties
Rusk County ranks higher than Texas's state average composite score of 49.00, placing it in the upper-middle range of risk among the state's 254 counties. This elevation is driven primarily by tornado and wildfire exposure rather than coastal hazards.
Riskier than most nearby counties
Neighboring Sabine County (22.11) and San Augustine County (17.62) carry significantly lower risk profiles, while San Jacinto County (58.87) presents a comparable threat level. Rusk County's 54.01 score reflects its position at the intersection of Texas's tornado alley and pine forest wildfire zones.
Tornadoes and wildfires dominate
Tornado risk scores highest at 74.90, making severe spring storms a serious concern for residents, while wildfire risk reaches 73.00 in this heavily forested region. Hurricane risk (71.63) remains substantial despite the county's inland location, as tropical systems can track inland and produce damaging winds and rainfall.
Prepare for severe weather impacts
Given Rusk County's tornado and wildfire exposure, homeowners should ensure comprehensive coverage including wind and hail protection in their policies. Consider a safe room or shelter for tornado events, and maintain defensible space around your home to reduce wildfire risk.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Rusk County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Rusk County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard pressure in Rusk County is below the national midpoint, with a composite score at the 54th percentile. Proactive emergency planning and awareness of the specific hazards driving Rusk County's score can meaningfully reduce household risk.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Rusk County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 75th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 73th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (72th percentile), flood (46th percentile), earthquake (44th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With tornado ranked at the 75th percentile nationally, Rusk 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. Wildfire is the second hazard driver for Rusk County at the 73th percentile nationally, meaning households should maintain awareness of both severe-weather and wildfire-specific warning systems. For Rusk 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
Rusk County is 5.0 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 Rusk County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Rusk County, TX?
What types of natural hazards affect Rusk County?
How does Rusk County risk compare to the Texas average?
Is Rusk County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Rusk 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.