Delta County, Texas Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · TX
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 9th
Delta County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 8.9, 9th national percentile), driven primarily by ice storm and drought exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $4M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Overall natural disaster risk in Delta County is very low, with a National Risk Index score of 8.9 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.
Most of Delta County's expected losses come from ice storm (freezing rain that coats surfaces in heavy, damaging ice) at Medium risk — $414K in expected annual loss and about 1.17 events per year; drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Medium risk — $833K in expected annual loss and about 36.96 events per year; and tornado (violently rotating columns of air capable of catastrophic local damage) at Low risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 0.20 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $4M in expected annual loss for a population of 5K.
Beyond physical exposure, Delta County has a medium 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). A less vulnerable population paired with strong resilience helps the community absorb and recover from events.
The federal record bears this out: Delta County has received 18 federal disaster declarations since 1966, including 4 for severe storm events and 3 for flood events. The most recent was Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding (flood), declared in May 2024.
Among 254 Texas counties, Delta County ranks #219 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Ice Storm | Medium | 1.17 / yr | $414K |
| Drought | Medium | 36.96 / yr | $833K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.20 / yr | $1M |
| Hail | Low | 5.73 / yr | $202K |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.02 / yr | $30K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $23K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 15.74 / yr | $174K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $39K |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 0.84 / yr | $240K |
| Strong Wind | Very Low | 3.77 / yr | $134K |
| Winter Weather | Very Low | 3.84 / yr | $7K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.64 / yr | $848K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 57.48 / yr | $17K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.03 / yr | $2 |
| 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
Delta County has received 18 federal disaster declarations since 1966, most recently Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding in May 2024. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (4), Flood (3), Severe Ice Storm (3).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| February 2016 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding |
| May 2015 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds and Flooding |
| March 2008 | Fire | Wildfires |
| June 2007 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| January 2006 | Fire | Extreme Wildfire Threat |
Showing the 10 most recent of 18 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Delta County?
Delta County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 8.9 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 Delta County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Ice Storm (Medium, $414K EAL), Drought (Medium, $833K EAL), Tornado (Low, $1M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Delta County compare to other Texas counties?
Delta County ranks #219 of 254 Texas counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Delta County had?
FEMA records 18 federal disaster declarations for Delta County since 1966, most often 4 for severe storm events and 3 for flood 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. Delta County's $4M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.