Hudspeth County, Texas Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · TX
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 2th
Hudspeth County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 2.3, 2th national percentile), driven primarily by drought and avalanche exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $2M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Hudspeth County at very low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 2.3 out of 100 — placing it in the 2nd 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 Medium risk — $761K in expected annual loss and about 120.82 events per year; avalanche (fast-moving snow and debris sliding down steep mountain slopes) at Very Low risk — $78 in expected annual loss and about 0.01 events per year; and wildfire (uncontrolled fires that spread across wildland and into communities) at Very Low risk — $8K in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $2M in expected annual loss for a population of 3K.
Beyond physical exposure, Hudspeth 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: Hudspeth County has received 13 federal disaster declarations since 1966, 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, Hudspeth County ranks #243 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Drought | Medium | 120.82 / yr | $761K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $78 |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $8K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $32K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.27 / yr | $13K |
| Hail | Very Low | 0.38 / yr | $53K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 52.97 / yr | $50K |
| Winter Weather | Very Low | 3.15 / yr | $12K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 3.71 / yr | $27K |
| Strong Wind | Very Low | 0.25 / yr | $86K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.63 / yr | $30 |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $554 |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 0.30 / yr | $23K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.64 / yr | $597K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.15 / yr | $3K |
| 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
Hudspeth County has received 13 federal disaster declarations since 1966, 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 |
| August 2006 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| 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 Hudspeth County?
Hudspeth County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 2.3 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 2th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Hudspeth County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Drought (Medium, $761K EAL), Avalanche (Very Low, $78 EAL), Wildfire (Very Low, $8K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Hudspeth County compare to other Texas counties?
Hudspeth County ranks #243 of 254 Texas counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Hudspeth County had?
FEMA records 13 federal disaster declarations for Hudspeth County since 1966, 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. Hudspeth County's $2M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.