Hansford County, Texas Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · TX
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 42th
Hansford County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 42.0, 42th national percentile), driven primarily by drought and cold wave exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $12M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Hansford County carries a very low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 42.0 out of 100 — placing it in the 42nd 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.
Risk here concentrates in drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at High risk — $7M in expected annual loss and about 96.93 events per year; cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at Medium risk — $3M in expected annual loss and about 2.84 events per year; and winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at Medium risk — $118K in expected annual loss and about 10.79 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $12M in expected annual loss for a population of 5K.
Beyond physical exposure, Hansford 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.
History supports the rating: Hansford County has received 13 federal disaster declarations since 1990, including 4 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, Hansford County ranks #144 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Drought | High | 96.93 / yr | $7M |
| Cold Wave | Medium | 2.84 / yr | $3M |
| Winter Weather | Medium | 10.79 / yr | $118K |
| Wildfire | Low | 0.00 / yr | $154K |
| Hail | Low | 7.39 / yr | $460K |
| Ice Storm | Medium | 0.24 / yr | $127K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.70 / yr | $671K |
| Lightning | Low | 45.82 / yr | $105K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $51K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 3.13 / yr | $215K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 1.53 / yr | $18K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.29 / yr | $548K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.13 / yr | $1 |
| 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
Hansford County has received 13 federal disaster declarations since 1990, most recently Severe Winter Storms in February 2021. Most frequent causes: Fire (4), 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 |
| July 2011 | Fire | Wildfires |
| 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 |
Showing the 10 most recent of 13 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Hansford County?
Hansford County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 42.0 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 42th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Hansford County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Drought (High, $7M EAL), Cold Wave (Medium, $3M EAL), Winter Weather (Medium, $118K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Hansford County compare to other Texas counties?
Hansford County ranks #144 of 254 Texas counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Hansford County had?
FEMA records 13 federal disaster declarations for Hansford County since 1990, most often 4 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. Hansford County's $12M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.