Live Oak County, Texas Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · TX
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 34th
Live Oak County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 33.7, 34th national percentile), driven primarily by cold wave and hurricane exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $7M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Live Oak County carries a very low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 33.7 out of 100 — placing it in the 34th 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 cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at Medium risk — $3M in expected annual loss and about 2.58 events per year; hurricane (tropical cyclones bringing extreme wind, rain, and storm surge) at Low risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 0.09 events per year; and drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Medium risk — $256K in expected annual loss and about 67.46 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $7M in expected annual loss for a population of 11K.
Beyond physical exposure, Live Oak 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: Live Oak County has received 22 federal disaster declarations since 1967, including 9 for hurricane events and 4 for fire events. The most recent was Severe Winter Storms (severe ice storm), declared in February 2021.
Among 254 Texas counties, Live Oak County ranks #162 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Cold Wave | Medium | 2.58 / yr | $3M |
| Hurricane | Low | 0.09 / yr | $1M |
| Drought | Medium | 67.46 / yr | $256K |
| Heat Wave | Low | 10.58 / yr | $328K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $25K |
| Hail | Low | 1.43 / yr | $122K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.40 / yr | $553K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.23 / yr | $21K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 1.71 / yr | $2M |
| Lightning | Very Low | 45.66 / yr | $36K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.10 / yr | $34 |
| Strong Wind | Very Low | 0.78 / yr | $70K |
| Winter Weather | Very Low | 1.05 / yr | $7K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $3K |
| 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
Live Oak County has received 22 federal disaster declarations since 1967, most recently Severe Winter Storms in February 2021. Most frequent causes: Hurricane (9), Fire (4), Severe Ice Storm (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| February 2021 | Severe Ice Storm | Severe Winter Storms |
| February 2021 | Severe Ice Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| July 2020 | Hurricane | Hurricane Hanna |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| July 2011 | Fire | Wildfires |
| June 2010 | Hurricane | Tropical Storm Alex |
| April 2009 | Fire | Lagarto Fire |
| March 2008 | Fire | Wildfires |
| August 2007 | Hurricane | Hurricane Dean |
Showing the 10 most recent of 22 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Live Oak County?
Live Oak County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 33.7 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 34th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Live Oak County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Cold Wave (Medium, $3M EAL), Hurricane (Low, $1M EAL), Drought (Medium, $256K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Live Oak County compare to other Texas counties?
Live Oak County ranks #162 of 254 Texas counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Live Oak County had?
FEMA records 22 federal disaster declarations for Live Oak County since 1967, most often 9 for hurricane events and 4 for fire 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. Live Oak County's $7M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.