Parmer County, Texas Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · TX
MediumComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 82th
Parmer County faces medium composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 81.8, 82th national percentile), driven primarily by drought and hail exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $48M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Parmer County carries a medium composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 81.8 out of 100 — placing it in the 82nd national percentile and near the national midpoint for natural-disaster risk. The score blends Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across all 18 FEMA hazard types.
Most of Parmer County's expected losses come from drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Very High risk — $43M in expected annual loss and about 100.13 events per year; hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Medium risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 5.58 events per year; and winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at Medium risk — $150K in expected annual loss and about 7.57 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $48M in expected annual loss for a population of 10K.
Beyond physical exposure, Parmer County has a low 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.
The county's disaster history tells the same story: Parmer County has received 15 federal disaster declarations since 1970, including 3 for severe ice storm events and 3 for severe storm events. The most recent was Severe Winter Storms (severe ice storm), declared in February 2021.
Among 254 Texas counties, Parmer County ranks #45 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Drought | Very High | 100.13 / yr | $43M |
| Hail | Medium | 5.58 / yr | $1M |
| Winter Weather | Medium | 7.57 / yr | $150K |
| Wildfire | Low | 0.00 / yr | $146K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 1.85 / yr | $929K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.57 / yr | $978K |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $33K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 2.45 / yr | $416K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $42K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 1.00 / yr | $64K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.37 / yr | $9K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 48.49 / yr | $42K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.32 / yr | $787K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.08 / yr | $0 |
| 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
Parmer County has received 15 federal disaster declarations since 1970, most recently Severe Winter Storms in February 2021. Most frequent causes: Severe Ice Storm (3), Severe Storm (3), Fire (3).
| 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 |
| February 2016 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding |
| 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 15 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Parmer County?
Parmer County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 81.8 out of 100, placing it in the Medium category and the 82th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Parmer County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Drought (Very High, $43M EAL), Hail (Medium, $1M EAL), Winter Weather (Medium, $150K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Parmer County compare to other Texas counties?
Parmer County ranks #45 of 254 Texas counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a medium rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Parmer County had?
FEMA records 15 federal disaster declarations for Parmer County since 1970, most often 3 for severe ice storm events and 3 for severe storm 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. Parmer County's $48M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.