Ward County Disaster Risk
Ward County, Texas
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
15th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#201
of 254 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
27th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 27% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 75% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 27% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 21% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 21% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Ward County, Texas
Ward County's Very Low Risk Profile
Ward County scores just 15.36 on the composite risk scale, ranking as very low and far below the Texas state average of 49.00. This makes Ward one of the safest counties nationally from natural disaster exposure, with minimal multi-hazard risk.
Ward's Safest Standing in Texas
Ward County ranks among the lowest-risk counties in all of Texas, with its 15.36 composite score placing it in a rare group of minimal-exposure communities. The county's West Texas location provides inherent protection against many disaster types.
Ward vs. Regional Comparisons
Ward's 15.36 score is dramatically lower than Val Verde County (76.08) and all other comparable Texas counties, making Ward exceptionally safe by regional standards. The county's isolation and sparse development in West Texas contribute to its remarkably low overall risk.
Ward's Limited Natural Hazards
Wildfire presents Ward's highest risk at 75.29, though this is still manageable in an otherwise very-low-risk environment. All other hazards—tornado (26.53), flood (27.10), earthquake (21.28), and hurricane (21.19)—remain minimal, making Ward an exceptionally safe county overall.
Ward County Home Protection Basics
While Ward faces minimal natural disaster risk, standard homeowners insurance and wildfire awareness remain prudent precautions for rural property owners. Focus on routine home maintenance and fire-safe landscaping to maintain the county's exceptional safety record.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Ward County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Ward County
Risk Verdict
Ward County's natural disaster risk is among the lowest in the country, with a composite score at the 15th percentile nationally. A preparedness foundation — alert registration, household communication plan, and a basic supply review — costs little and remains valuable even at Ward County's favorable 15th percentile ranking.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Ward County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 75th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 27th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (27th percentile), earthquake (21th percentile), hurricane (21th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Wildfire is Ward County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 75th percentile nationally. Ward County residents should assess whether their property lies within or adjacent to a Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) zone, where ember transport and rapid spread pose the highest risk. The county's flood exposure at the 27th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. For Ward County households, a practiced evacuation plan — with a primary and backup route designated before a fire occurs — provides more protection than any structural improvement when a wildfire approaches fast-moving terrain.
Regional Context
The Texas county average exceeds Ward County's score by 33.6 composite points — placing this county in the lower-risk tier relative to its in-state peers.
Is your household prepared for Ward County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Ward County, TX?
What types of natural hazards affect Ward County?
How does Ward County risk compare to the Texas average?
Is Ward County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Ward County a safe place to live?
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.