Upshur County Disaster Risk
Upshur County, Texas
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
67th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#87
of 254 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
59th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 59% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 77% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 92% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 40% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 61% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Upshur County, Texas
Upshur County Faces Elevated Risk
Upshur County scores 66.92 on the composite risk index, placing it above the national average and indicating meaningful exposure to multiple hazards. The relatively low risk rating reflects that threats are present but can be mitigated through smart preparation and adequate insurance.
Above-Average Risk Statewide
At 66.92, Upshur County substantially exceeds Texas's state average of 49.00, ranking among the riskier counties in the state. The elevation is driven primarily by exceptional tornado exposure (92.05), one of the highest in Texas, combined with significant wildfire and hurricane threats.
Riskier Than Most East Texas Peers
Upshur County's 66.92 score exceeds neighboring Titus County (46.82) and approaches Tyler County (61.01), making it one of the region's riskiest counties. The elevated tornado risk distinguishes Upshur from its coastal neighbors, positioning it at the intersection of Gulf Coast and Great Plains storm tracks.
Tornado Risk Is Exceptionally High
Tornado risk (92.05) dominates Upshur County's threat profile, ranking among the nation's highest-risk areas for tornado activity. Wildfire (77.32) and hurricane risk (61.33) add seasonal complexity, creating year-round hazard exposure that demands continuous preparedness.
Build Tornado Safety Into Your Home
A safe room or reinforced shelter is essential in Upshur County—standard basements may not provide adequate protection from violent tornadoes. Verify your homeowners policy covers tornado and wind damage with minimal deductibles, maintain an emergency kit with first aid and weather alerts, and participate in spring tornado drills so all household members know where to shelter.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Upshur County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Upshur County
Risk Verdict
At the 67th percentile nationally, Upshur County experiences a manageable level of natural hazard risk that falls below the U.S. median. Upshur County's risk profile calls for targeted preparedness, focusing on the hazard categories that dominate the county's score.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Upshur County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 92th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 77th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (61th percentile), flood (59th percentile), earthquake (40th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Upshur County's primary hazard, tornado, ranks at the 92th percentile nationally. In Upshur County, mobile homes and manufactured housing face significantly higher tornado risk than site-built structures; residents in these homes should identify the nearest permanent community shelter in advance. The secondary wildfire hazard at the 77th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Upshur County's preparedness calendar, since wildfire and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. The highest-risk window for tornado fatalities is overnight, when Upshur County residents may be asleep. A NOAA weather radio with overnight alert capability is the single most impactful low-cost preparedness step available to Upshur County households.
Regional Context
Upshur County falls 17.9 points above Texas's typical county risk level, which means the hazard environment here is notably more demanding than the state baseline.
Is your household prepared for Upshur County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Upshur County, TX?
What types of natural hazards affect Upshur County?
How does Upshur County risk compare to the Texas average?
Is Upshur County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Upshur 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.