Wharton County Disaster Risk
Wharton County, Texas
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
83th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#41
of 254 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
70th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 70% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 53% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 72% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 26% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively High
Higher than 95% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Wharton County, Texas
Wharton's risk sits well above average
With a composite risk score of 83.02, Wharton County faces significantly higher natural disaster risk than the typical U.S. county. This "Relatively Moderate" rating reflects exposure to multiple hazard types that demand preparation and insurance planning.
A higher-risk Texas county
Wharton ranks among the riskier counties in Texas, with a score of 83.02 compared to the state average of 49.00. This makes it one of the counties where residents face elevated exposure across several disaster categories.
Riskier than most Coastal Bend peers
Wharton's risk profile exceeds that of neighboring Willacy County (77.48) and Wilson County (75.54), placing it in a higher-risk tier for the region. Its hurricane exposure particularly outpaces nearby counties, while flood risk remains a shared concern across the coastal area.
Hurricanes and tornadoes pose top threats
Wharton's hurricane risk score of 94.83 is exceptionally high—among the state's most exposed counties—while tornado risk of 72.42 adds a secondary severe weather threat. Flood risk of 69.82 rounds out a trio of serious hazards that shape the county's disaster preparedness needs.
Prioritize wind and flood coverage now
Given Wharton's extreme hurricane exposure, comprehensive homeowners insurance with adequate wind damage coverage is essential. If you live in a flood-prone area, flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program should be a priority—standard homeowners policies do not cover flood damage.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Wharton County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Wharton County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard risk in Wharton County is higher than the majority of U.S. counties, with a national composite rank of 83th. Wharton County's elevated composite score reflects cumulative multi-hazard exposure; households should prepare for the county's two or three primary hazard types.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Wharton County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 95th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 72th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (70th percentile), wildfire (53th percentile), earthquake (26th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 95th percentile nationally for hurricane risk, Wharton County is in a zone where flood insurance matters beyond the primary wind risk: NFIP flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period before taking effect, making off-season enrollment the correct timing. Wharton County's tornado exposure at the 72th percentile nationally adds a hazard layer that can persist or intensify after hurricane-force winds have passed, particularly in low-lying inland areas. For Wharton County households, the hurricane preparedness calendar matters: flood insurance has a 30-day waiting period, wind-hardening retrofits take weeks to schedule, and evacuation route scouting is best done before a storm watch is issued.
Regional Context
A composite score 34.0 points above the Texas state average puts Wharton County in a higher-risk category than most counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Wharton County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Wharton County, TX?
What types of natural hazards affect Wharton County?
How does Wharton County risk compare to the Texas average?
Is Wharton County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Wharton 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.