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

San Saba County Disaster Risk

San Saba County, Texas

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

7th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#224

of 254 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

15th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Very Low

Higher than 15% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 71% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Very Low

Higher than 23% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Very Low

Higher than 4% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Very Low

Higher than 38% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in San Saba County, Texas

San Saba among America's safest counties

San Saba County's composite risk score of just 7.28 places it in the "Very Low" category, ranking it among the lowest-risk counties nationwide—less than one-sixth the national average of 44.0. The county benefits from distance from major seismic zones, tornado corridors, and coastal systems.

Far below Texas average risk

At 7.28, San Saba County scores a remarkable 42 points below Texas's 49.00 state average, ranking it among the state's safest counties. This protection stems from its hill country location away from major hazard corridors.

Safest of central Texas counties

San Saba County (7.28) offers exceptional safety compared to Schleicher County (3.75)—the only safer option—and far outpaces Scurry County (29.99). The county represents one of the most protected areas in central Texas.

Wildfire concern in otherwise quiet county

Wildfire risk scores 71.47, the county's only notable hazard, requiring awareness during dry seasons in this hill country region. All other major hazards score very low, with tornado risk at just 23.41 and earthquake risk at 3.66.

Basic coverage handles most scenarios

San Saba County's exceptionally low risk means standard homeowners insurance provides ample protection for most residents. Maintain defensible space around your home during wildfire season and ensure policy covers wind damage as basic precautions.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in San Saba County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    WildfirePrepare
    71th percentile
  2. #2
    HurricanePrepare
    38th percentile
  3. #3
    TornadoPrepare
    23th percentile

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

Risk Advisory: San Saba County

Risk Verdict

Natural disaster exposure in San Saba County is lower than roughly three-quarters of U.S. counties, with a composite score at the 7th percentile. The 7th percentile national ranking is one lens; San Saba County residents also benefit from reviewing which specific hazard types drive the county's composite score and preparing accordingly.

Hazard Breakdown

Wildfire risk is San Saba County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 71th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 38th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (23th percentile), flood (15th percentile), earthquake (4th percentile).

Preparedness Context

At the 71th percentile nationally for wildfire, San Saba County residents should verify whether their insurance policy includes replacement cost coverage for structures and whether the insurer still writes new policies in this fire-risk zone. Alongside wildfire, hurricane at the 38th percentile nationally means a multi-season preparedness mindset — fire season and flood or storm season often require different household plans. Local USFS or Cal Fire (where applicable) fire risk maps and seasonal Red Flag Warning alerts from the National Weather Service are two free resources San Saba County residents can use to stay ahead of rapidly changing wildfire conditions.

Regional Context

San Saba County is 41.7 composite risk points below the Texas state mean, meaning most other Texas counties face higher natural hazard exposure.

Is your household prepared for San Saba 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 San Saba County, TX?
San Saba County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Very Low, placing it in the 7th 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 San Saba County?
San Saba County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: wildfire (71th percentile), hurricane (38th percentile), tornado (23th percentile), flooding (15th percentile), earthquake (4th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is wildfire at the 71th 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 San Saba County risk compare to the Texas average?
San Saba County's composite risk percentile is 7th, compared to the Texas state average of 49th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means San Saba County faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in Texas.
Is San Saba County at risk for wildfire?
Yes, San Saba County's wildfire risk is at the 71th percentile nationally. This is above the national median. For flooding specifically, San Saba County is at the 15th 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.
Is San Saba County a safe place to live?
San Saba County's composite risk score of 7th percentile is below the Texas state average of 49th percentile, indicating relatively lower exposure to natural hazards. However, no county is completely risk-free. The primary hazard type is wildfire at the 71th percentile. Residents should still maintain emergency preparedness plans and appropriate insurance coverage.
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.