Calhoun County, Texas Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · TX
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 66th
Calhoun County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 66.3, 66th national percentile), driven primarily by hurricane and drought exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $22M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Calhoun County carries a low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 66.3 out of 100 — placing it in the 66th national percentile and below the national average for natural-disaster risk. The score blends Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across all 18 FEMA hazard types.
Most of Calhoun County's expected losses come from hurricane (tropical cyclones bringing extreme wind, rain, and storm surge) at Medium risk — $11M in expected annual loss and about 0.16 events per year; drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at High risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 43.37 events per year; and cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at Medium risk — $3M in expected annual loss and about 2.60 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $22M in expected annual loss for a population of 20K.
Beyond physical exposure, Calhoun County has a high social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a high community resilience rating (its capacity to prepare for and recover from disasters). Higher vulnerability is partly offset by strong community resilience and recovery capacity.
The federal record bears this out: Calhoun County has received 28 federal disaster declarations since 1967, including 15 for hurricane events and 5 for flood events. The most recent was Hurricane Beryl (hurricane), declared in July 2024.
Among 254 Texas counties, Calhoun County ranks #89 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Hurricane | Medium | 0.16 / yr | $11M |
| Drought | High | 43.37 / yr | $1M |
| Cold Wave | Medium | 2.60 / yr | $3M |
| Lightning | Medium | 53.37 / yr | $548K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $64K |
| Coastal Flood | Low | 3.69 / yr | $197K |
| Heat Wave | Low | 7.57 / yr | $360K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.36 / yr | $923K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 1.18 / yr | $4M |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.46 / yr | $32K |
| Hail | Very Low | 0.83 / yr | $60K |
| Winter Weather | Very Low | 0.78 / yr | $10K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $11K |
| Strong Wind | Very Low | 0.61 / yr | $80K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.05 / yr | $24 |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Calhoun County has received 28 federal disaster declarations since 1967, most recently Hurricane Beryl in July 2024. Most frequent causes: Hurricane (15), Flood (5), Fire (3).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| July 2024 | Hurricane | Hurricane Beryl |
| May 2024 | Flood | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| February 2021 | Severe Ice Storm | Severe Winter Storms |
| February 2021 | Severe Ice Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| August 2020 | Hurricane | Tropical Storms Marco and Laura |
| July 2020 | Hurricane | Hurricane Hanna |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| August 2017 | Hurricane | Hurricane Harvey |
| August 2010 | Hurricane | Hurricane Alex |
Showing the 10 most recent of 28 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Calhoun County?
Calhoun County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 66.3 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 66th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Calhoun County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Hurricane (Medium, $11M EAL), Drought (High, $1M EAL), Cold Wave (Medium, $3M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Calhoun County compare to other Texas counties?
Calhoun County ranks #89 of 254 Texas counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Calhoun County had?
FEMA records 28 federal disaster declarations for Calhoun County since 1967, most often 15 for hurricane events and 5 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. Calhoun County's $22M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.