Uvalde County Disaster Risk
Uvalde County, Texas
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
70th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#82
of 254 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
82th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 82% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 73% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 51% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 16% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 62% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Uvalde County, Texas
Uvalde County Faces Moderate Risk
Uvalde County scores 70.04 on the composite risk index, placing it above the national average and indicating substantial multi-hazard exposure. The relatively low risk rating reflects that threats are present but manageable with proper preparation and insurance planning.
Above-Average Risk in Texas
At 70.04, Uvalde County significantly exceeds Texas's state average of 49.00, ranking among the state's riskier counties for disaster exposure. This elevation is driven primarily by exceptional flood risk (82.32) and substantial wildfire (73.22) and hurricane exposure (62.41).
Riskier Than West Texas Neighbors
Uvalde County's 70.04 score substantially exceeds neighboring Upton County (7.67) and approaches regional averages, reflecting its position in flood-prone Hill Country. The county faces elevated water and wildfire threats that distinguish it from the drier West Texas interior.
Flooding Is Your Greatest Threat
Flood risk (82.32) dominates Uvalde County's hazard profile, driven by the county's location in Hill Country terrain prone to flash flooding from heavy rainfall. Wildfire (73.22) and hurricane exposure (62.41) add secondary threats, with wildfire seasons extending through late fall in this region.
Flood Insurance Is Non-Negotiable
Flood insurance through the NFIP or private carriers is essential in Uvalde County—standard homeowners policies explicitly exclude flood damage. Assess your property's flood risk zone through FEMA maps, maintain clear drainage around your foundation, and prepare a flood emergency kit with supplies and critical documents stored in waterproof containers.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Uvalde County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Uvalde County
Risk Verdict
Uvalde County ranks at the 70th percentile nationally for natural disaster risk — below the median for U.S. counties. Residents are encouraged to understand which hazards dominate locally and tailor their preparedness accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Uvalde County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 82th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 73th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (62th percentile), tornado (51th percentile), earthquake (16th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Uvalde County sits at the 82th percentile nationally for flood exposure. Knowing your property's flood zone designation — available at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center — is the first step toward understanding actual exposure and insurance options. The county's second-ranked hazard, wildfire at the 73th percentile nationally, means Uvalde County residents face compounding risks from multiple natural hazard types during peak seasons. Regardless of specific hazard, Uvalde County households benefit from a practiced communication plan: a designated out-of-state contact and a pre-agreed evacuation destination established before the season's peak risk period.
Regional Context
Compared to other Texas counties, Uvalde County runs 21.0 composite risk points higher than the state mean — reflecting above-average hazard concentration in this area.
Is your household prepared for Uvalde County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Uvalde County, TX?
What types of natural hazards affect Uvalde County?
How does Uvalde County risk compare to the Texas average?
Is Uvalde County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Uvalde 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.