Blanco County, Texas Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · TX
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 33th
Blanco County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 33.0, 33th national percentile), driven primarily by drought and wildfire exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $10M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Blanco County at very low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 33.0 out of 100 — placing it in the 33rd 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.
Risk here concentrates in drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Medium risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 117.62 events per year; wildfire (uncontrolled fires that spread across wildland and into communities) at Low risk — $247K in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year; and hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Low risk — $418K in expected annual loss and about 4.42 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $10M in expected annual loss for a population of 11K.
Beyond physical exposure, Blanco County has a medium social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a medium 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: Blanco County has received 20 federal disaster declarations since 1989, including 4 for flood events and 4 for fire events. The most recent was Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding (flood), declared in May 2024.
Among 254 Texas counties, Blanco County ranks #164 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Drought | Medium | 117.62 / yr | $1M |
| Wildfire | Low | 0.00 / yr | $247K |
| Hail | Low | 4.42 / yr | $418K |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.02 / yr | $85K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 2.39 / yr | $7M |
| Tornado | Low | 0.31 / yr | $892K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 3.89 / yr | $42K |
| Lightning | Low | 47.54 / yr | $131K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 4.84 / yr | $131K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 0.63 / yr | $328K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.23 / yr | $161 |
| Strong Wind | Low | 1.53 / yr | $200K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.52 / yr | $7K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $2K |
| 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
Blanco County has received 20 federal disaster declarations since 1989, most recently Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding in May 2024. Most frequent causes: Flood (4), Fire (4), Severe Storm (3).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| May 2024 | Flood | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| April 2023 | Winter Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| 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 |
| May 2015 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds and Flooding |
| July 2011 | Fire | Wildfires |
| March 2008 | Fire | Wildfires |
| January 2006 | Fire | Extreme Wildfire Threat |
Showing the 10 most recent of 20 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Blanco County?
Blanco County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 33.0 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 33th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Blanco County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Drought (Medium, $1M EAL), Wildfire (Low, $247K EAL), Hail (Low, $418K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Blanco County compare to other Texas counties?
Blanco County ranks #164 of 254 Texas counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Blanco County had?
FEMA records 20 federal disaster declarations for Blanco County since 1989, most often 4 for flood events and 4 for fire events. The most recent was Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding, declared in May 2024.
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. Blanco County's $10M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.