Wheeler County Disaster Risk
Wheeler County, Texas
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
41th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#145
of 254 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
8th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 8% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively High
Higher than 94% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 59% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 32% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 23% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Wheeler County, Texas
Wheeler County faces below-average risk
With a composite risk score of 41.28, Wheeler County is rated "Very Low" and sits well below the national average for natural disaster exposure. This lower-risk profile reflects a more favorable position for most of the county, though specific hazards demand attention.
Among Texas's safest counties
Wheeler County's score of 41.28 places it in the lower half of Texas counties, below the state average of 49.00. It ranks among the state's lower-risk areas overall.
Significantly safer than surrounding counties
Wheeler County's low risk contrasts sharply with neighbors like Wichita County (81.90) and Wilbarger County (46.09). Its relatively low flood and hurricane exposure set it apart from riskier Panhandle and northern Texas counties.
Wildfire emerges as primary concern
Wheeler County's wildfire risk of 94.34 is exceptionally high and dominates its hazard profile, despite overall low composite risk. Tornado risk of 59.16 presents a secondary threat, while flood and hurricane risks remain minimal.
Prepare for wildfire season carefully
While Wheeler County's overall risk is low, wildfire preparation is critical—clear defensible space around your home and ensure comprehensive coverage for wildfire damage. Standard homeowners insurance typically covers fire, but verify your policy includes wildland-urban interface fire protection.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Wheeler County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Wheeler County
Risk Verdict
Wheeler County sits in the lower tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure, ranked at the 41th percentile nationally. Residents of Wheeler County can use the 41th percentile ranking as a baseline, while recognizing that individual properties may still lie in specific hazard zones that differ from the county average.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Wheeler County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 94th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 59th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (32th percentile), hurricane (23th percentile), flood (8th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 94th percentile nationally for wildfire risk, Wheeler County households benefit from creating defensible space — a buffer of reduced vegetation around structures — and reviewing whether homeowners insurance covers wildfire damage in this region. Alongside wildfire, tornado at the 59th percentile nationally means a multi-season preparedness mindset — fire season and flood or storm season often require different household plans. Enrolling in the county's wireless emergency alert system and keeping a vehicle at least half-full during peak fire season are low-cost habits that dramatically reduce evacuation lag time for Wheeler County residents.
Regional Context
Wheeler County falls 7.7 points below Texas's typical county risk level, making it one of the safer natural-hazard environments in the state.
Is your household prepared for Wheeler County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Wheeler County, TX?
What types of natural hazards affect Wheeler County?
How does Wheeler County risk compare to the Texas average?
Is Wheeler County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Wheeler 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.