San Patricio County Disaster Risk
San Patricio County, Texas
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
85th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#34
of 254 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
74th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 74% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 64% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 80% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 23% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively High
Higher than 95% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in San Patricio County, Texas
San Patricio among highest-risk counties
San Patricio County's composite risk score of 85.40 earns a "Relatively Moderate" rating, nearly doubling the national average of 44.0. The county ranks among the most hazard-exposed in the United States, driven by its coastal location.
Highest risk in this Texas cluster
At 85.40, San Patricio County scores 36 points above Texas's 49.00 state average, placing it in the highest-risk tier statewide. The county consistently ranks among the state's most vulnerable areas to major hazards.
Far more exposed than inland neighbors
San Patricio County (85.40) vastly exceeds the risk profiles of inland neighbors like San Saba County (7.28), Schleicher County (3.75), and Scurry County (29.99). Its coastal proximity creates cumulative exposure unmatched by surrounding inland counties.
Hurricane is dominant, tornado significant
Hurricane risk reaches an extreme 95.04—among the highest in Texas—reflecting the county's location on the Gulf Coast where tropical systems directly strike. Tornado risk scores 80.06, and flood risk reaches 73.82, creating a triple threat from tropical systems.
Maximum protection essential for coastlines
San Patricio County residents must prioritize comprehensive wind, flood, and debris coverage in their insurance policies given the extreme hurricane risk. Consider elevated construction if building, maintain hurricane straps and reinforced garage doors, and have an evacuation plan ready during storm season.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in San Patricio County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: San Patricio County
Risk Verdict
At the 85th percentile nationally, San Patricio 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 San Patricio County residents.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is San Patricio County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 95th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 80th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (74th percentile), wildfire (64th percentile), earthquake (23th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With hurricane ranked at the 95th percentile nationally, San Patricio County sits in a zone where multi-day supply readiness matters: grid outages after landfalling storms can last one to three weeks in heavily affected areas. San Patricio County's tornado exposure at the 80th percentile nationally adds a hazard layer that can persist or intensify after hurricane-force winds have passed, particularly in low-lying inland areas. Insurance gaps are the most common post-hurricane financial shock: standard homeowners policies typically exclude flood damage and may have a separate wind deductible. San Patricio County households benefit from a pre-season insurance review confirming both wind and flood coverage.
Regional Context
The Texas county average is 36.4 composite points below San Patricio County's score, a gap that reflects the county's elevated position in the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for San Patricio County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in San Patricio County, TX?
What types of natural hazards affect San Patricio County?
How does San Patricio County risk compare to the Texas average?
Is San Patricio County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is San Patricio 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.