Wilson County Disaster Risk
Wilson County, Texas
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
76th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#67
of 254 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
84th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 84% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 72% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 78% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 15% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 64% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Wilson County, Texas
Wilson faces above-average natural risk
Wilson County's composite risk score of 75.54 sits well above the national average, though rated "Relatively Low" in context. This score reflects a county where coastal and severe weather hazards create genuine exposure despite the classification.
Above Texas average, mid-range for state
Wilson's score of 75.54 exceeds the Texas state average of 49.00, placing it in the higher-risk tier of Texas counties. The county sits in a middle-to-upper range when compared across the state.
More exposed than most nearby counties
Wilson County (75.54) faces higher risk than southern neighbors and sits between Willacy County (77.48) and Wharton County (83.02) in the coastal risk spectrum. Its hazard profile reflects both inland and coastal threats.
Floods, tornadoes, and hurricanes matter most
Wilson's flood risk of 84.38 is the county's primary hazard, followed by tornado risk of 77.99 and hurricane risk of 63.79. Wildfire risk of 71.66 adds a fourth significant concern across varied landscapes.
Prioritize flood and wind protection
Wilson County residents should secure homeowners insurance with comprehensive wind coverage and a separate flood insurance policy—flood risk here is substantial. If you're in a rural or wildland-adjacent area, verify wildfire coverage as well.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Wilson County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Wilson County
Risk Verdict
Wilson County's FEMA risk score places it at the 76th percentile nationally, indicating lower-than-typical exposure for a U.S. county. At this risk level, having a documented household preparedness plan — not just awareness — is the meaningful next step for Wilson County residents.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Wilson County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 84th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 78th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (72th percentile), hurricane (64th percentile), earthquake (15th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 84th percentile nationally for flood risk, Wilson County residents benefit from understanding their specific flood zone status. Even one inch of floodwater causes significant structural damage to properties outside officially designated high-risk zones. The county's second-ranked hazard, tornado at the 78th percentile nationally, means Wilson County residents face compounding risks from multiple natural hazard types during peak seasons. A tested family preparedness plan specific to Wilson County's primary hazards — including how to shelter in place or evacuate, and who to call — provides more real protection than a general emergency kit sitting unused on a shelf.
Regional Context
The Texas county average is 26.5 composite points below Wilson County's score, a gap that reflects the county's elevated position in the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for Wilson County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Wilson County, TX?
What types of natural hazards affect Wilson County?
How does Wilson County risk compare to the Texas average?
Is Wilson County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Wilson 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.