Burleson County, Texas Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · TX
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 29th
Burleson County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 29.1, 29th national percentile), driven primarily by drought and hurricane exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $7M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Burleson County carries a very low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 29.1 out of 100 — placing it in the 29th 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 — $958K in expected annual loss and about 47.23 events per year; hurricane (tropical cyclones bringing extreme wind, rain, and storm surge) at Low risk — $583K in expected annual loss and about 0.08 events per year; and cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at Low risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 0.95 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $7M in expected annual loss for a population of 18K.
Beyond physical exposure, Burleson County has a high social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a low community resilience rating (its capacity to prepare for and recover from disasters). That combination — a more vulnerable population with limited resilience — can amplify the human cost of any given event.
The federal record bears this out: Burleson County has received 22 federal disaster declarations since 1987, including 6 for hurricane events and 4 for flood events. The most recent was Hurricane Beryl (hurricane), declared in July 2024.
Among 254 Texas counties, Burleson County ranks #173 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Drought | Medium | 47.23 / yr | $958K |
| Hurricane | Low | 0.08 / yr | $583K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 0.95 / yr | $1M |
| Hail | Low | 2.85 / yr | $256K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.83 / yr | $85K |
| Heat Wave | Low | 11.53 / yr | $263K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $24K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.38 / yr | $581K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.61 / yr | $3M |
| Lightning | Low | 56.83 / yr | $104K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 2.42 / yr | $28K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 1.58 / yr | $229K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $18K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.10 / yr | $61 |
| 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
Burleson County has received 22 federal disaster declarations since 1987, most recently Hurricane Beryl in July 2024. Most frequent causes: Hurricane (6), Flood (4), Fire (3).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| July 2024 | Hurricane | Hurricane Beryl |
| 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 |
| August 2017 | Hurricane | Hurricane Harvey |
| June 2016 | Flood | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| May 2015 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds and Flooding |
| September 2008 | Hurricane | Hurricane Ike |
Showing the 10 most recent of 22 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Burleson County?
Burleson County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 29.1 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 29th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Burleson County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Drought (Medium, $958K EAL), Hurricane (Low, $583K EAL), Cold Wave (Low, $1M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Burleson County compare to other Texas counties?
Burleson County ranks #173 of 254 Texas counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Burleson County had?
FEMA records 22 federal disaster declarations for Burleson County since 1987, most often 6 for hurricane events and 4 for flood events. The most recent was Hurricane Beryl, declared in July 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. Burleson County's $7M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.