Val Verde County Disaster Risk
Val Verde County, Texas
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
76th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#65
of 254 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
87th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 87% 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 41% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 22% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 58% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Val Verde County, Texas
Val Verde's Risk Profile
Val Verde County scores 76.08 on the national composite risk scale, ranking it as relatively low despite sitting above the Texas state average of 49.00. This puts the county in a moderate position nationally, where the median composite risk score hovers around 50.
Where Val Verde Stands in Texas
Val Verde ranks in the upper half of Texas counties for overall disaster risk, with its 76.08 score exceeding the state average by 27 points. Among Texas's 254 counties, Val Verde faces above-average exposure to multiple hazard types.
Compared to Nearby Counties
Val Verde's risk profile (76.08) exceeds nearby Ward County's very low 15.36 score but falls below Webb County's elevated 89.25 score. The county's exposure reflects its unique geography in Southwest Texas, distinct from both the sparse West Texas plains and the dense Lower Rio Grande Valley.
Your Biggest Threats Here
Flooding poses the most significant hazard in Val Verde, with a risk score of 87.31, followed closely by wildfire risk at 85.02. Tornado and earthquake risks are lower (41.06 and 22.23 respectively), while hurricane risk remains moderate at 57.61 despite the county's distance from the coast.
Protecting Your Val Verde Home
Homeowners in Val Verde should prioritize flood insurance, as standard homeowners policies exclude flood damage. Consider a comprehensive wildfire mitigation plan for your property, especially if you live in or near undeveloped areas, and ensure your home can withstand flash flooding in arroyos and low-lying areas.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Val Verde County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Val Verde County
Risk Verdict
Val Verde County's FEMA risk score places it at the 76th percentile nationally, indicating lower-than-typical exposure for a U.S. county. At this risk level, having a documented household preparedness plan — not just awareness — is the meaningful next step for Val Verde County residents.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Val Verde County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 87th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 85th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (58th percentile), tornado (41th percentile), earthquake (22th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 87th percentile nationally for flood risk, Val Verde 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 85th percentile means households benefit from a multi-hazard preparedness plan rather than focusing on flood alone. A tested family preparedness plan specific to Val Verde 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 27.1 composite points below Val Verde County's score, a gap that reflects the county's elevated position in the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for Val Verde County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Val Verde County, TX?
What types of natural hazards affect Val Verde County?
How does Val Verde County risk compare to the Texas average?
Is Val Verde County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Val Verde 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.