Starr County Disaster Risk
Starr County, Texas
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
85th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#35
of 254 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
72th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 72% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 85% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 38% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 30% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 79% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Starr County, Texas
Starr: Among America's Riskiest
Starr County's composite risk score of 84.80 ranks at the very top of elevated risk nationally. Your county faces one of the highest natural disaster exposure profiles in the entire United States.
Highest Risk in Texas
At 84.80, Starr County is the riskiest county in Texas, exceeding the state average of 49.00 by 73%. Only Smith County (84.16) approaches this level of exposure.
Riskiest in South Texas
Starr County's risk far exceeds all neighboring counties, standing isolated in its extreme exposure profile. No adjacent South Texas county comes close to Starr's 84.80 composite score.
Wildfire and Hurricanes Converge
Wildfire risk (84.89) and hurricane risk (78.77) create a dual-threat environment in Starr County. Flood risk (72.39) adds a third significant concern, making this county vulnerable across multiple hazard types.
Comprehensive Protection Essential
Starr County residents must carry flood insurance and confirm their policies cover hurricane wind damage—basic homeowners coverage alone is insufficient. Consider additional wildfire coverage and discuss earthquake protection with your agent, given elevated exposure across all major hazards.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Starr County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Starr County
Risk Verdict
With a composite score at the 85th percentile, Starr County sits above the national median for natural hazard exposure. Proactive preparedness — not reactive response — is key to managing life in one of the country's higher-risk counties; Starr County residents should plan accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Starr County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 85th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 79th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (72th percentile), tornado (38th percentile), earthquake (30th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 85th percentile nationally for wildfire risk, Starr 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. The county's hurricane exposure at the 79th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. 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 Starr County residents.
Regional Context
At 35.8 points above the Texas state average, Starr County carries meaningfully higher natural disaster exposure than a typical Texas county.
Is your household prepared for Starr County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Starr County, TX?
What types of natural hazards affect Starr County?
How does Starr County risk compare to the Texas average?
Is Starr County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Starr 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.