Gillespie County, Texas Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · TX
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 58th
Gillespie County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 57.7, 58th national percentile), driven primarily by wildfire and hail exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $17M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Gillespie County carries a low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 57.7 out of 100 — placing it in the 58th 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.
The county's risk is driven primarily by wildfire (uncontrolled fires that spread across wildland and into communities) at Low risk — $548K in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year; hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Medium risk — $925K in expected annual loss and about 3.72 events per year; and drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Medium risk — $851K in expected annual loss and about 130.90 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $17M in expected annual loss for a population of 27K.
Beyond physical exposure, Gillespie County has a medium social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a medium community resilience rating (its capacity to prepare for and recover from disasters). Both measures sit toward the lower end, indicating relatively modest population sensitivity.
History supports the rating: Gillespie County has received 18 federal disaster declarations since 1991, including 4 for fire events and 3 for hurricane events. The most recent was Crabapple Fire (fire), declared in March 2025.
Among 254 Texas counties, Gillespie County ranks #118 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Wildfire | Low | 0.00 / yr | $548K |
| Hail | Medium | 3.72 / yr | $925K |
| Drought | Medium | 130.90 / yr | $851K |
| Winter Weather | Medium | 4.26 / yr | $143K |
| Tornado | Medium | 0.27 / yr | $2M |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 3.04 / yr | $10M |
| Lightning | Medium | 46.46 / yr | $347K |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.02 / yr | $108K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 0.63 / yr | $745K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 0.97 / yr | $414K |
| Heat Wave | Low | 3.89 / yr | $225K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.27 / yr | $392 |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.31 / yr | $18K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $10K |
| 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
Gillespie County has received 18 federal disaster declarations since 1991, most recently Crabapple Fire in March 2025. Most frequent causes: Fire (4), Hurricane (3), Flood (3).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| March 2025 | Fire | Crabapple Fire |
| 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 |
| May 2015 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds and Flooding |
| March 2008 | Fire | Wildfires |
| January 2006 | Fire | Extreme Wildfire Threat |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Rita |
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 Gillespie County?
Gillespie County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 57.7 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 58th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Gillespie County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Wildfire (Low, $548K EAL), Hail (Medium, $925K EAL), Drought (Medium, $851K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Gillespie County compare to other Texas counties?
Gillespie County ranks #118 of 254 Texas counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Gillespie County had?
FEMA records 18 federal disaster declarations for Gillespie County since 1991, most often 4 for fire events and 3 for hurricane events. The most recent was Crabapple Fire, declared in March 2025.
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. Gillespie County's $17M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.