Williamson County Disaster Risk
Williamson County, Texas
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
90th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#24
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
Moderate
Higher than 88% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 94% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 36% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 69% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Williamson County, Texas
Williamson faces among Texas's highest risks
Williamson County's composite risk score of 90.11 ranks as one of the highest in the nation, classified "Relatively Moderate" but well above the national average. This score reflects a county where residents contend with multiple severe weather hazards simultaneously.
One of Texas's riskiest counties
Williamson's score of 90.11 dramatically exceeds the Texas state average of 49.00, placing it among the highest-risk counties in the state. Rapid growth and development in flood-prone areas compound these natural hazard exposures.
Significantly riskier than central Texas peers
Williamson County (90.11) faces substantially higher risk than Wilson County (75.54) to the south and the state average overall. Its Austin-area location concentrates flood, tornado, and wildfire exposure in an urbanizing landscape.
Tornadoes, floods, and wildfires converge
Williamson's tornado risk of 93.86 is among the state's highest, while flood risk of 91.32 and wildfire risk of 87.82 round out a severe hazard profile. The county sits in a corridor where multiple weather systems and fire-prone terrain align.
Comprehensive coverage is absolutely essential
Williamson County homeowners must secure full-coverage homeowners insurance with wind and hail protection, plus a separate flood insurance policy for flood-prone properties. For properties in wildfire-adjacent areas, additional wildfire coverage or mitigation improvements are prudent investments.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Williamson County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Williamson County
Risk Verdict
Williamson County's overall risk score at the 90th percentile nationally signals meaningful exposure to multiple natural hazard types. Comprehensive household preparedness — including reviewing insurance, maintaining emergency supplies, and knowing evacuation routes — is strongly recommended.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Williamson County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 94th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 91th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (88th percentile), hurricane (69th percentile), earthquake (36th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Williamson County ranks at the 94th percentile nationally for tornado exposure. Unlike many slow-onset hazards, tornadoes in Williamson County can reach full intensity in minutes; a pre-practiced household shelter plan matters far more than stockpiled supplies. Flood is the second hazard driver for Williamson County at the 91th percentile nationally, meaning households should maintain awareness of both severe-weather and flood-specific warning systems. Williamson County county emergency management typically publishes annual severe-weather preparedness guides tailored to local tornado patterns; households benefit from reviewing these before storm season begins each spring.
Regional Context
Compared to other Texas counties, Williamson County runs 41.1 composite risk points higher than the state mean — reflecting above-average hazard concentration in this area.
Is your household prepared for Williamson County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Williamson County, TX?
What types of natural hazards affect Williamson County?
How does Williamson County risk compare to the Texas average?
Is Williamson County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Williamson 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.