Zapata County Disaster Risk
Zapata County, Texas
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
31th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#166
of 254 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
20th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 20% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 71% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 15% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 18% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 66% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Zapata County, Texas
Zapata County has exceptionally low disaster risk
Zapata County's composite risk score of 31.36 earns it a very low risk rating, placing it well below the national average and among the safest counties in America for natural hazard exposure. The county's low-risk profile is buoyed by minimal flood (19.88), earthquake (18.45), and tornado (14.73) threats.
One of Texas's lowest-risk counties overall
Zapata County scores 31.36, substantially below the Texas state average of 49.00, ranking it among the state's safest counties for disaster exposure. This exceptional position reflects the county's South Texas location, away from major flood plains and tornado corridors.
Lowest-risk county among all Texas peers
Zapata County (31.36) ranks as the safest in its comparison group, with composite risk significantly lower than Young County (36.35), Yoakum County (46.06), Wise County (58.97), and Wood County (63.23). Only its hurricane risk (66.00) approaches the regional average due to coastal storm exposure.
Hurricane is primary threat for Zapata County
Hurricane risk at 66.00 is Zapata County's only significant hazard, reflecting the county's Gulf Coast proximity and subtropical storm exposure during Atlantic hurricane season. All other hazards—wildfire (70.87), flood (19.88), tornado (14.73), and earthquake (18.45)—remain well below concerning thresholds.
Hurricane coverage is your essential insurance
Zapata County homeowners should prioritize hurricane and wind damage coverage, as it is the county's most meaningful natural disaster threat. Given the county's exceptionally low exposure to other hazards, standard homeowners insurance provides adequate protection for flood and tornado risks.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Zapata County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Zapata County
Risk Verdict
At the 31th percentile nationally, Zapata County experiences relatively limited natural hazard pressure compared to most of the country. A 31th percentile score positions Zapata County among the nation's lower-risk counties, a genuinely favorable outcome — one that simple, low-cost preparedness habits can reinforce further.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Zapata County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 71th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 66th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (20th percentile), earthquake (18th percentile), tornado (15th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Zapata County's dominant hazard is wildfire, ranked at the 71th percentile nationally. Maintaining at least 30 feet of lean, clean vegetation around structures in Zapata County and keeping gutters clear of debris significantly reduces ignition risk from wind-driven embers. The county's hurricane exposure at the 66th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. Zapata County's households benefit from reviewing homeowners insurance before fire season, specifically whether the policy covers replacement cost rather than actual cash value, and whether it includes additional living expenses if displacement is required.
Regional Context
A composite score 17.6 points below the Texas state average puts Zapata County in a better-than-typical position relative to neighboring counties.
Is your household prepared for Zapata County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Zapata County, TX?
What types of natural hazards affect Zapata County?
How does Zapata County risk compare to the Texas average?
Is Zapata County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Zapata County a safe place to live?
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.