Wichita County Disaster Risk
Wichita County, Texas
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
82th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#44
of 254 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
81th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 81% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 93% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 93% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 66% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 48% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Wichita County, Texas
Wichita faces notably elevated risk
Wichita County's composite risk score of 81.90 and "Relatively Moderate" rating indicate significantly higher-than-average natural disaster exposure. This score reflects a county where multiple hazard types converge, demanding serious preparedness.
A top-risk Texas county
At 81.90, Wichita County's risk score nearly doubles the Texas state average of 49.00, placing it among the state's higher-risk areas. The county faces more acute exposure than most Texas communities.
Riskier than surrounding Panhandle counties
Wichita County (81.90) faces notably higher risk than Wheeler County (41.28) and Wilbarger County (46.09) to its north and west. Its score reflects concentrated hazard exposure compared to surrounding Panhandle communities.
Tornadoes, floods, and wildfires converge
Wichita's tornado risk of 92.81 is among the state's highest, while wildfire risk of 92.59 and flood risk of 80.76 create a severe weather trinity. Earthquake risk of 65.52, while less damaging historically, adds a secondary geological concern.
Invest in multiple disaster protections
Wichita County residents need comprehensive homeowners insurance covering wind, hail, and fire, plus a flood insurance policy for flood-prone properties. Consider a safe room or shelter construction if you're in a tornado-prone area, and maintain property hardening measures against severe weather.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Wichita County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Wichita County
Risk Verdict
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Wichita County at the 82th percentile nationally — above average and worth proactive preparation. Residents should prioritize a formal household emergency plan, including evacuation routes, insurance review, and a well-stocked emergency kit.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Wichita County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 93th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 93th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (81th percentile), earthquake (66th percentile), hurricane (48th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With tornado ranked at the 93th percentile nationally, Wichita County sits in a high-exposure zone where the difference between outcomes often comes down to proximity to a reinforced interior shelter and seconds of warning time. Wildfire is the second hazard driver for Wichita County at the 93th percentile nationally, meaning households should maintain awareness of both severe-weather and wildfire-specific warning systems. For Wichita County households, safe rooms certified to FEMA 320/361 standards offer the highest protection during a direct tornado hit; households without a safe room should locate the innermost lowest-floor room in their building and practice the route to it before storm season.
Regional Context
Wichita County is 32.9 composite risk points above the Texas average, indicating that residents face greater natural hazard exposure than most of their in-state neighbors.
Is your household prepared for Wichita County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Wichita County, TX?
What types of natural hazards affect Wichita County?
How does Wichita County risk compare to the Texas average?
Is Wichita County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Wichita 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.