Limestone County, Texas Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · TX
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 59th
Limestone County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 59.3, 59th national percentile), driven primarily by cold wave and drought exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $13M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Overall natural disaster risk in Limestone County is low, with a National Risk Index score of 59.3 out of 100 — placing it in the 59th 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.
Risk here concentrates in cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at High risk — $5M in expected annual loss and about 0.53 events per year; drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Medium risk — $764K in expected annual loss and about 40.44 events per year; and wildfire (uncontrolled fires that spread across wildland and into communities) at Low risk — $140K in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $13M in expected annual loss for a population of 22K.
Beyond physical exposure, Limestone County has a very 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: Limestone County has received 21 federal disaster declarations since 1973, including 4 for fire events and 4 for severe storm events. The most recent was Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding (flood), declared in May 2024.
Among 254 Texas counties, Limestone County ranks #110 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Cold Wave | High | 0.53 / yr | $5M |
| Drought | Medium | 40.44 / yr | $764K |
| Wildfire | Low | 0.00 / yr | $140K |
| Hurricane | Low | 0.04 / yr | $489K |
| Hail | Low | 3.78 / yr | $289K |
| Lightning | Medium | 54.41 / yr | $248K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.56 / yr | $1M |
| Ice Storm | Medium | 0.94 / yr | $88K |
| Heat Wave | Low | 15.68 / yr | $328K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 1.96 / yr | $4M |
| Strong Wind | Low | 1.95 / yr | $266K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 2.79 / yr | $20K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $47K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.10 / yr | $92 |
| 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
Limestone County has received 21 federal disaster declarations since 1973, most recently Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding in May 2024. Most frequent causes: Fire (4), Severe Storm (4), Flood (3).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| May 2024 | Flood | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| 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 |
| March 2016 | Flood | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| September 2011 | Fire | Wildfires |
| March 2008 | Fire | Wildfires |
| January 2006 | Fire | Extreme Wildfire Threat |
Showing the 10 most recent of 21 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Limestone County?
Limestone County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 59.3 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 59th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Limestone County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Cold Wave (High, $5M EAL), Drought (Medium, $764K EAL), Wildfire (Low, $140K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Limestone County compare to other Texas counties?
Limestone County ranks #110 of 254 Texas counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Limestone County had?
FEMA records 21 federal disaster declarations for Limestone County since 1973, most often 4 for fire events and 4 for severe storm 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. Limestone County's $13M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.