Dallam County, Texas Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · TX
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 51th
Dallam County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 51.1, 51th national percentile), driven primarily by drought and winter weather exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $14M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Dallam County carries a low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 51.1 out of 100 — placing it in the 51st 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.
Risk here concentrates in drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at High risk — $8M in expected annual loss and about 141.64 events per year; winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at Medium risk — $205K in expected annual loss and about 11.90 events per year; and cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at Medium risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 2.95 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $14M in expected annual loss for a population of 7K.
Beyond physical exposure, Dallam County has a medium 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.
The county's disaster history tells the same story: Dallam County has received 11 federal disaster declarations since 1998, including 3 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, Dallam County ranks #135 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Drought | High | 141.64 / yr | $8M |
| Winter Weather | Medium | 11.90 / yr | $205K |
| Cold Wave | Medium | 2.95 / yr | $2M |
| Wildfire | Low | 0.01 / yr | $215K |
| Lightning | Medium | 46.77 / yr | $456K |
| Hail | Low | 4.03 / yr | $516K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.18 / yr | $64K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 1.54 / yr | $402K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.60 / yr | $608K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $90K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.14 / yr | $2M |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 0.74 / yr | $16K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.15 / yr | $0 |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Dallam County has received 11 federal disaster declarations since 1998, most recently Severe Winter Storms in February 2021. Most frequent causes: Fire (3), 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 |
| March 2008 | Fire | Wildfires |
| January 2006 | Fire | Extreme Wildfire Threat |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Rita |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Rita |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| September 1999 | Fire | Extreme Fire Hazards |
Showing the 10 most recent of 11 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Dallam County?
Dallam County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 51.1 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 51th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Dallam County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Drought (High, $8M EAL), Winter Weather (Medium, $205K EAL), Cold Wave (Medium, $2M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Dallam County compare to other Texas counties?
Dallam County ranks #135 of 254 Texas counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Dallam County had?
FEMA records 11 federal disaster declarations for Dallam County since 1998, most often 3 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. Dallam County's $14M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.