riskbycounty
FEMA NRI 1.19.0Updated Nov 2023 · Coverage 2014–2023Methodology

Webb County Disaster Risk

Webb County, Texas

FEMA Risk Rating

Relatively Moderate

National Percentile

89th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#25

of 254 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

91th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Moderate

Higher than 91% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 64% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 77% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 44% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Moderate

Higher than 86% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Webb County, Texas

Webb Faces Elevated National Risk

Webb County scores 89.25 on the composite risk scale, ranking as relatively moderate and far exceeding the Texas state average of 49.00 by 40 points. This places Webb among the highest-risk counties nationally, with exposure levels in the top tier.

Webb's High Standing in Texas

Webb County ranks as one of the highest-risk counties in Texas, with only a small number of counties scoring above its 89.25 composite score. The county's Lower Rio Grande Valley location and geographic exposure drive this elevated risk profile.

Webb Compared to Regional Peers

Webb's 89.25 score is among the highest in the region, exceeding Victoria County (86.48) and dramatically surpassing Val Verde County (76.08). Webb stands out as the riskiest county in this geographic cluster, reflecting its unique vulnerability to multiple hazard types.

Webb's Most Serious Hazards

Flooding dominates Webb County's risk profile with a score of 91.03, making it the county's defining natural disaster threat. Hurricane risk reaches 85.73 and tornado exposure sits at 76.91, creating a multi-hazard environment where water-related disasters are the primary concern.

Protecting Your Webb County Home

Flood insurance is absolutely essential in Webb County—standard homeowners policies exclude flood damage, and elevation risk is significant along the Rio Grande and in flood-prone neighborhoods. Pair this with windstorm coverage for hurricane protection and keep emergency supplies on hand, as Webb faces recurring exposure to both flooding and tropical systems.

Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Webb County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    FloodPrepare
    91th percentile
  2. #2
    HurricanePrepare
    86th percentile
  3. #3
    TornadoPrepare
    77th percentile

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)

Risk Advisory: Webb County

Risk Verdict

At the 89th percentile nationally, Webb County sits in the upper half of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure. At this risk level, having a documented household preparedness plan — not just awareness — is the meaningful next step for Webb County residents.

Hazard Breakdown

Flood risk is Webb County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 91th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 86th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (77th percentile), wildfire (64th percentile), earthquake (44th percentile).

Preparedness Context

At the 91th percentile nationally for flood risk, Webb 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. Secondary hurricane exposure at the 86th percentile adds a second preparedness layer; households should review coverage options and alert sign-up for both hazard types. A tested family preparedness plan specific to Webb 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 40.2 composite points below Webb County's score, a gap that reflects the county's elevated position in the state's hazard distribution.

Is your household prepared for Webb County's hazards?

Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.

FEMA Ready Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the natural disaster risk in Webb County, TX?
Webb County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Relatively Moderate, placing it in the 89th percentile nationally out of 3,144 counties. This composite score reflects the county's overall exposure to natural hazards including floods, wildfires, tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes, weighted by expected annual loss and social vulnerability.
What types of natural hazards affect Webb County?
Webb County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: flooding (91th percentile), hurricane (86th percentile), tornado (77th percentile), wildfire (64th percentile), earthquake (44th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is flooding at the 91th percentile nationally. These scores are derived from FEMA's National Risk Index, which analyzes expected annual loss, social vulnerability, and community resilience for each hazard type.
How does Webb County risk compare to the Texas average?
Webb County's composite risk percentile is 89th, compared to the Texas state average of 49th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Webb County faces higher natural disaster risk than the typical county in Texas.
Is Webb County at risk for flooding?
Yes, Webb County's flooding risk is at the 91th percentile nationally. This places it in the top quartile for this hazard type.
How is natural disaster risk measured?
FEMA's National Risk Index (NRI) calculates risk scores for 18 natural hazard types across all U.S. counties and census tracts. The composite score combines Expected Annual Loss (estimated dollar losses from each hazard), Social Vulnerability (demographic factors affecting disaster impact), and Community Resilience (ability to recover). Percentile scores rank each county against all 3,144 U.S. counties, and risk ratings range from Very Low to Very High.
Why is Webb County higher risk than average?
Webb County's composite risk score of 89th percentile is above the Texas state average of 49th percentile. This elevated risk is driven by flooding exposure (91th percentile), along with hurricane and tornado and wildfire risk. Geographic location, terrain, climate patterns, and proximity to flood zones or fault lines all influence a county's risk profile.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

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.