Andrews County, Texas Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · TX
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 9th
Andrews County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 9.0, 9th national percentile), driven primarily by drought and hail exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $6M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Andrews County carries a very low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 9.0 out of 100 — placing it in the 9th national percentile and among the lowest-risk counties in the country. The score blends Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across all 18 FEMA hazard types.
The county's risk is driven primarily by drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Medium risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 84.81 events per year; hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Medium risk — $954K in expected annual loss and about 3.83 events per year; and wildfire (uncontrolled fires that spread across wildland and into communities) at Low risk — $349K in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $6M in expected annual loss for a population of 19K.
Beyond physical exposure, Andrews County has a very low social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a very low community resilience rating (its capacity to prepare for and recover from disasters). Both measures sit toward the lower end, indicating relatively modest population sensitivity.
History supports the rating: Andrews County has received 15 federal disaster declarations since 1998, including 6 for fire events and 3 for hurricane events. The most recent was Severe Winter Storms (severe ice storm), declared in February 2021.
Among 254 Texas counties, Andrews County ranks #218 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Drought | Medium | 84.81 / yr | $2M |
| Hail | Medium | 3.83 / yr | $954K |
| Wildfire | Low | 0.00 / yr | $349K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 4.74 / yr | $193K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.39 / yr | $39K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 6.16 / yr | $36K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 45.65 / yr | $103K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 1.54 / yr | $259K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.60 / yr | $282K |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 0.58 / yr | $218K |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $5K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $19K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 1.25 / yr | $2M |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.13 / yr | $1 |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Andrews County has received 15 federal disaster declarations since 1998, most recently Severe Winter Storms in February 2021. Most frequent causes: Fire (6), Hurricane (3), Severe Ice Storm (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| February 2021 | Severe Ice Storm | Severe Winter Storms |
| February 2021 | Severe Ice Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| July 2011 | Fire | Wildfires |
| April 2008 | Fire | Parker Fire |
| March 2008 | Fire | Wildfires |
| February 2008 | Fire | Chevron Fire |
| January 2006 | Fire | Extreme Wildfire Threat |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Rita |
Showing the 10 most recent of 15 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Andrews County?
Andrews County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 9.0 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 9th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Andrews County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Drought (Medium, $2M EAL), Hail (Medium, $954K EAL), Wildfire (Low, $349K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Andrews County compare to other Texas counties?
Andrews County ranks #218 of 254 Texas counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Andrews County had?
FEMA records 15 federal disaster declarations for Andrews County since 1998, most often 6 for fire events and 3 for hurricane events. The most recent was Severe Winter Storms, declared in February 2021.
What does Expected Annual Loss (EAL) mean?
EAL is FEMA's estimate of average annual dollar losses from natural hazards, calculated from historical event data and exposure models. Andrews County's $6M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.