Wise County Disaster Risk
Wise County, Texas
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
59th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#111
of 254 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
60th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 60% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 94% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 76% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 40% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 34% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Wise County, Texas
Wise County's natural disaster risk: relatively low nationally
Wise County scores 58.97 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the relatively low risk category compared to the national average. While the county faces elevated wildfire and tornado threats, its overall risk profile is manageable when viewed against the full spectrum of American hazard exposure.
Above Texas average, but safer than many peers
Wise County's composite score of 58.97 exceeds Texas's state average of 49.00, ranking it in the upper-middle tier of risk across the state's 254 counties. This elevation is driven primarily by wildfire and tornado vulnerabilities in North Texas.
Riskier than Young County, safer than Wood County
Wise County ranks between its nearby peers, with a higher composite score than Young County (36.35) but lower than Wood County (63.23). Its 93.73 wildfire risk stands out as significantly elevated compared to neighboring Zapata County (70.87) and Yoakum County (86.48).
Wildfire and tornado dominate Wise County threats
Wildfire risk reaches 93.73 in Wise County—among the state's most significant—while tornado risk of 75.86 poses a secondary but serious threat to residents and infrastructure. Flood risk (60.02) and earthquake risk (39.66) remain manageable by comparison, though they warrant local preparedness planning.
Prioritize wildfire and storm coverage now
Wise County residents should ensure homeowners insurance includes wildfire coverage and verify it covers tornado and wind damage, which carry real costs in this region. Consider additional living expense coverage given the county's elevated risk profile, and maintain defensible space around your property by clearing vegetation at least 30 feet from structures.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Wise County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Wise County
Risk Verdict
With a national percentile rank of 59th, Wise County faces below-average hazard exposure relative to U.S. counties as a whole. Above-average risk does not mean imminent danger; it signals that informed, hazard-specific preparedness has high value here.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Wise County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 94th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 76th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (60th percentile), earthquake (40th percentile), hurricane (34th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 94th percentile nationally for wildfire risk, Wise 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. A secondary tornado exposure at the 76th percentile nationally means Wise County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. 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 Wise County residents.
Regional Context
At 10.0 points above the Texas state average, Wise County carries meaningfully higher natural disaster exposure than a typical Texas county.
Is your household prepared for Wise County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Wise County, TX?
What types of natural hazards affect Wise County?
How does Wise County risk compare to the Texas average?
Is Wise County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Wise 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.