Donley County, Texas Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · TX
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 27th
Donley County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 26.6, 27th national percentile), driven primarily by drought and wildfire exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $7M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Donley County carries a very low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 26.6 out of 100 — placing it in the 27th 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 High risk — $3M in expected annual loss and about 73.28 events per year; wildfire (uncontrolled fires that spread across wildland and into communities) at Low risk — $501K in expected annual loss and about 0.01 events per year; and hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Medium risk — $737K in expected annual loss and about 8.17 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $7M in expected annual loss for a population of 3K.
Beyond physical exposure, Donley County has a high 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). That combination — a more vulnerable population with limited resilience — can amplify the human cost of any given event.
History supports the rating: Donley County has received 18 federal disaster declarations since 1970, including 7 for fire events and 3 for severe storm events. The most recent was Corner Pocket Fire (fire), declared in March 2026.
Among 254 Texas counties, Donley County ranks #178 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Drought | High | 73.28 / yr | $3M |
| Wildfire | Low | 0.01 / yr | $501K |
| Hail | Medium | 8.17 / yr | $737K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 8.84 / yr | $52K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.47 / yr | $58K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 3.12 / yr | $376K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.84 / yr | $655K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 1.79 / yr | $340K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $27K |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $5K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 1.68 / yr | $31K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 48.89 / yr | $32K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.29 / yr | $17 |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.61 / yr | $478K |
| 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
Donley County has received 18 federal disaster declarations since 1970, most recently Corner Pocket Fire in March 2026. Most frequent causes: Fire (7), Severe Storm (3), Hurricane (3).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| March 2026 | Fire | Corner Pocket Fire |
| February 2026 | Fire | 8 Ball Fire |
| March 2025 | Fire | Rest Area Fire |
| 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 |
| July 2011 | Fire | Wildfires |
| March 2008 | Fire | Wildfires |
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 Donley County?
Donley County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 26.6 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 27th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Donley County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Drought (High, $3M EAL), Wildfire (Low, $501K EAL), Hail (Medium, $737K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Donley County compare to other Texas counties?
Donley County ranks #178 of 254 Texas counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Donley County had?
FEMA records 18 federal disaster declarations for Donley County since 1970, most often 7 for fire events and 3 for severe storm events. The most recent was Corner Pocket Fire, declared in March 2026.
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. Donley County's $7M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.