Zavala County Disaster Risk
Zavala County, Texas
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
54th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#130
of 254 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
67th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 67% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 35% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 29% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 7% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 60% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Zavala County, Texas
Zavala County presents relatively low disaster risk
Zavala County's composite risk score of 53.63 places it in the relatively low risk category and near the national average for natural hazard exposure. The county's profile is shaped by dual flood and hurricane threats balanced against very low earthquake exposure.
Slightly above Texas average but manageable
Zavala County scores 53.63, marginally above the Texas state average of 49.00, placing it in the middle tier of risk across the state. The elevation is driven by flood (67.02) and hurricane (60.28) risks while other hazards remain minimal.
Moderate risk between safest and riskiest peers
Zavala County (53.63) ranks between its neighbors, comparable to Wise County (58.97) but noticeably safer than Wood County (63.23) and higher-risk than Young County (36.35) and Zapata County (31.36). Its flood risk (67.02) is the highest among its peer group.
Flood and hurricane risks drive Zavala exposure
Flood risk reaches 67.02 in Zavala County—the county's dominant hazard—while hurricane risk of 60.28 reflects Gulf Coast proximity and storm exposure during Atlantic hurricane season. Tornado (28.91), wildfire (35.34), and earthquake (7.16) risks remain minimal by comparison.
Flood and hurricane coverage are essential here
Zavala County homeowners must secure separate flood insurance, as standard homeowners policies exclude flood damage and the county's 67.02 flood risk demands specific coverage. Verify your policy includes hurricane and wind protection, and consider elevated or reinforced construction if you live in a flood-prone area.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Zavala County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Zavala County
Risk Verdict
Zavala County's FEMA risk score places it at the 54th percentile nationally, indicating lower-than-typical exposure for a U.S. county. A moderate composite score often means one or two hazard categories are doing the heavy lifting — knowing which ones matters for preparation.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Zavala County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 67th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 60th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (35th percentile), tornado (29th percentile), earthquake (7th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 67th percentile nationally for flood risk, Zavala 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. Alongside flooding, hurricane exposure at the 60th percentile means households benefit from a multi-hazard preparedness plan rather than focusing on flood alone. A tested family preparedness plan specific to Zavala 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
Zavala County sits within 4.6 composite points of the Texas state average, suggesting the county's hazard exposure is representative of the broader regional pattern.
Is your household prepared for Zavala County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Zavala County, TX?
What types of natural hazards affect Zavala County?
How does Zavala County risk compare to the Texas average?
Is Zavala County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Zavala 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.