Smith County Disaster Risk
Smith County, Texas
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
84th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#38
of 254 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
85th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 85% 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
Relatively Low
Higher than 47% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 70% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 75% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Smith County, Texas
Smith: Elevated Risk Profile
Smith County's composite risk score of 84.16 places it well above the national average, ranking as relatively moderate risk. Your county faces one of the higher natural disaster exposure levels in the nation.
Among Texas's Riskiest Counties
At 84.16, Smith County far exceeds Texas's state average of 49.00, ranking in the upper tier of risky Texas counties. Only counties like Starr (84.80) and a handful of others show comparable elevation.
Significantly Riskier Than Neighbors
Smith County's risk is dramatically higher than nearby Shelby (55.73), Somervell (10.81), or Stephens (9.22). Your position in East Texas exposes you to multiple converging hazards that nearby western counties largely avoid.
Flooding and Fire Are Critical
Flood risk (84.92) is Smith's most pressing hazard, with wildfire (80.34) and hurricane (75.09) also significant threats. Earthquake risk (69.66) adds another layer of concern rarely seen in other Texas counties.
Comprehensive Coverage Is Vital
Smith County residents should carry both standard homeowners insurance and separate flood insurance—flooding alone affects nearly 85% of risk exposure. Consider reviewing windstorm coverage and earthquake insurance depending on your property location and value.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Smith County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Smith County
Risk Verdict
At the 84th percentile nationally, Smith 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 Smith County residents.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Smith County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 85th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 80th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (75th percentile), earthquake (70th percentile), tornado (47th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 85th percentile nationally for flood risk, Smith County residents benefit from understanding their specific flood zone status. Even one inch of floodwater causes significant structural damage to properties outside officially designated high-risk zones. Alongside flooding, wildfire exposure at the 80th percentile means households benefit from a multi-hazard preparedness plan rather than focusing on flood alone. A tested family preparedness plan specific to Smith County's primary hazards — including how to shelter in place or evacuate, and who to call — provides more real protection than a general emergency kit sitting unused on a shelf.
Regional Context
The Texas county average is 35.2 composite points below Smith County's score, a gap that reflects the county's elevated position in the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for Smith County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Smith County, TX?
What types of natural hazards affect Smith County?
How does Smith County risk compare to the Texas average?
Is Smith County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Smith 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.