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

Schleicher County Disaster Risk

Schleicher County, Texas

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

4th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#236

of 254 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

2th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Very Low

Higher than 2% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 80% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Very Low

Higher than 12% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Very Low

Higher than 3% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Very Low

Higher than 24% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Schleicher County, Texas

Schleicher among safest in America

Schleicher County's composite risk score of 3.75 represents one of the lowest in the United States, placing it in the "Very Low" category at less than one-tenth the national average of 44.0. The county faces minimal cumulative natural disaster exposure compared to virtually any other American location.

Texas's lowest-risk county

At 3.75, Schleicher County scores 45 points below Texas's 49.00 state average, ranking as the state's safest county for natural disaster risk. This exceptional protection reflects its remote West Texas location far from major hazard sources.

Safest in West Texas region

Schleicher County (3.75) represents the absolute lowest-risk option in its region, outperforming San Saba County (7.28) and significantly exceeding Scurry County (29.99). The county stands alone as an island of exceptional safety in West Texas.

Wildfire only measurable concern

Wildfire risk reaches 80.22, reflecting the county's dry landscape and grassland environment, making fire awareness important during hot, dry months. All other major hazards score extremely low: earthquakes at 2.67, tornadoes at 12.18, and hurricanes at 24.28.

Minimal insurance needs cover all risks

Schleicher County's exceptional safety means basic homeowners insurance provides comprehensive coverage for virtually all natural disaster scenarios. Focus seasonal attention on wildfire prevention by maintaining clear space around structures and keeping brush trimmed during dry season.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Schleicher County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    WildfirePrepare
    80th percentile
  2. #2
    HurricanePrepare
    24th percentile
  3. #3
    TornadoPrepare
    12th percentile

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

Risk Advisory: Schleicher County

Risk Verdict

Schleicher County sits in the lower tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure, ranked at the 4th percentile nationally. Even at the 4th percentile, Schleicher County's composite score reflects real hazard exposure categories — knowing which ones apply locally enables targeted, efficient household preparedness.

Hazard Breakdown

Wildfire risk is Schleicher County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 80th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 24th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (12th percentile), earthquake (3th percentile), flood (2th percentile).

Preparedness Context

At the 80th percentile nationally for wildfire risk, Schleicher County households benefit from creating defensible space — a buffer of reduced vegetation around structures — and reviewing whether homeowners insurance covers wildfire damage in this region. A secondary hurricane exposure at the 24th percentile nationally means Schleicher County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. Enrolling in the county's wireless emergency alert system and keeping a vehicle at least half-full during peak fire season are low-cost habits that dramatically reduce evacuation lag time for Schleicher County residents.

Regional Context

Schleicher County falls 45.2 points below Texas's typical county risk level, making it one of the safer natural-hazard environments in the state.

Is your household prepared for Schleicher 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 Schleicher County, TX?
Schleicher County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Very Low, placing it in the 4th 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 Schleicher County?
Schleicher County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: wildfire (80th percentile), hurricane (24th percentile), tornado (12th percentile), earthquake (3th percentile), flooding (2th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is wildfire at the 80th 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 Schleicher County risk compare to the Texas average?
Schleicher County's composite risk percentile is 4th, compared to the Texas state average of 49th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Schleicher County faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in Texas.
Is Schleicher County at risk for wildfire?
Yes, Schleicher County's wildfire risk is at the 80th percentile nationally. This places it in the top quartile for this hazard type. For flooding specifically, Schleicher County is at the 2th 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 Schleicher County a safe place to live?
Schleicher County's composite risk score of 4th 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 80th 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.