Willacy County Disaster Risk
Willacy County, Texas
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
77th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#60
of 254 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
40th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 40% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 29% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 23% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 15% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Moderate
Higher than 92% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Willacy County, Texas
Willacy County faces elevated risk overall
With a composite risk score of 77.48, Willacy County is rated "Relatively Low" but scores well above the national average for natural disaster exposure. This rating reflects concentrated hurricane and tropical weather threats that define the county's risk profile.
Above Texas average despite lower rating
Willacy's score of 77.48 exceeds the Texas state average of 49.00, placing it in the higher-risk half of Texas counties despite its "Relatively Low" classification. The county's coastal location drives elevated overall exposure.
Hurricane-dominated profile compared to peers
Willacy County (77.48) sits between Wharton County (83.02) to the north and Wilson County (75.54) to the west, with all three sharing strong hurricane exposure. Willacy's advantage lies in lower flood and tornado risk compared to those neighbors.
Hurricanes overshadow all other hazards
Willacy's hurricane risk score of 91.66 is among the highest in Texas, reflecting its Valley coastal position and exposure to tropical systems. In contrast, tornado risk of 23.22 and wildfire risk of 28.72 pose minimal threats to the county.
Hurricane insurance is non-negotiable here
Given Willacy County's extreme hurricane exposure, comprehensive homeowners insurance with robust wind coverage is essential—consider a separate windstorm policy if available. If you're in a flood-prone coastal area, flood insurance is equally critical, as hurricanes often bring surge and heavy rainfall.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Willacy County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Willacy County
Risk Verdict
Willacy County has a below-average natural disaster risk profile, scoring at the 77th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. This risk level calls for more than general awareness: insurance coverage review, a family communication plan, and a prepared go-bag are practical priorities.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Willacy County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 92th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 40th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (29th percentile), tornado (23th percentile), earthquake (15th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Hurricane risk is Willacy County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 92th percentile nationally. The most time-sensitive preparedness step is knowing the county's evacuation zone for your address — zone maps are published by the county emergency management office. Flood, the county's second-ranked hazard at the 40th percentile nationally, represents an additional preparedness consideration for Willacy County independent of hurricane season. Willacy County's county emergency management office publishes official evacuation zone maps with zone-specific shelter locations; downloading this map and identifying your zone assignment is the single highest-value pre-season step.
Regional Context
Willacy County's composite risk score sits 28.5 points above the Texas county average, placing it among the more hazard-exposed counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Willacy County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Willacy County, TX?
What types of natural hazards affect Willacy County?
How does Willacy County risk compare to the Texas average?
Is Willacy County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Willacy 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.