Marion County, Texas Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · TX
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 29th
Marion County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 29.2, 29th national percentile), driven primarily by ice storm and strong wind exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $6M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Marion County carries a very low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 29.2 out of 100 — placing it in the 29th 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 ice storm (freezing rain that coats surfaces in heavy, damaging ice) at High risk — $498K in expected annual loss and about 1.10 events per year; strong wind (damaging straight-line winds outside of tornadoes and hurricanes) at High risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 6.33 events per year; and drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Medium risk — $356K in expected annual loss and about 27.16 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $6M in expected annual loss for a population of 10K.
Beyond physical exposure, Marion County has a very high social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a 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.
The federal record bears this out: Marion County has received 22 federal disaster declarations since 1966, including 6 for hurricane events and 6 for fire events. The most recent was Hurricane Beryl (hurricane), declared in July 2024.
Among 254 Texas counties, Marion County ranks #172 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Ice Storm | High | 1.10 / yr | $498K |
| Strong Wind | High | 6.33 / yr | $1M |
| Drought | Medium | 27.16 / yr | $356K |
| Hail | Low | 5.73 / yr | $308K |
| Heat Wave | Low | 19.68 / yr | $378K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.37 / yr | $836K |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.02 / yr | $50K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $30K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $55K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 0.79 / yr | $230K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.11 / yr | $167 |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.21 / yr | $2M |
| Winter Weather | Low | 3.16 / yr | $14K |
| Lightning | Low | 60.13 / yr | $52K |
| 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
Marion County has received 22 federal disaster declarations since 1966, most recently Hurricane Beryl in July 2024. Most frequent causes: Hurricane (6), Fire (6), Severe Ice Storm (3).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| July 2024 | Hurricane | Hurricane Beryl |
| February 2021 | Severe Ice Storm | Severe Winter Storms |
| February 2021 | Severe Ice Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| August 2020 | Hurricane | Tropical Storms Marco and Laura |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| March 2016 | Flood | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| September 2011 | Fire | Wildfires |
| September 2011 | Fire | Bear Creek Fire |
| July 2011 | Fire | Wildfires |
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 Marion County?
Marion County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 29.2 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 29th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Marion County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Ice Storm (High, $498K EAL), Strong Wind (High, $1M EAL), Drought (Medium, $356K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Marion County compare to other Texas counties?
Marion County ranks #172 of 254 Texas counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Marion County had?
FEMA records 22 federal disaster declarations for Marion County since 1966, most often 6 for hurricane events and 6 for fire events. The most recent was Hurricane Beryl, declared in July 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. Marion County's $6M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.