Roberts County, Texas Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · TX
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 3th
Roberts County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 3.1, 3th national percentile), driven primarily by drought and wildfire exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $3M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Roberts County carries a very low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 3.1 out of 100 — placing it in the 3rd 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.
Risk here concentrates in drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at High risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 86.18 events per year; wildfire (uncontrolled fires that spread across wildland and into communities) at Low risk — $365K in expected annual loss and about 0.02 events per year; and ice storm (freezing rain that coats surfaces in heavy, damaging ice) at Very Low risk — $17K in expected annual loss and about 0.44 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $3M in expected annual loss for a population of 826.
Beyond physical exposure, Roberts County has a very low 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). Both measures sit toward the lower end, indicating relatively modest population sensitivity.
History supports the rating: Roberts County has received 14 federal disaster declarations since 1998, including 6 for fire events and 3 for hurricane events. The most recent was Smokehouse Creek Fire (fire), declared in February 2024.
Among 254 Texas counties, Roberts County ranks #241 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Drought | High | 86.18 / yr | $2M |
| Wildfire | Low | 0.02 / yr | $365K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.44 / yr | $17K |
| Hail | Very Low | 8.43 / yr | $63K |
| Winter Weather | Very Low | 9.63 / yr | $15K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.85 / yr | $148K |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 2.68 / yr | $164K |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $824 |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.32 / yr | $20 |
| Strong Wind | Very Low | 3.21 / yr | $50K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $6K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 2.05 / yr | $4K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 48.58 / yr | $12K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.18 / yr | $167K |
| 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
Roberts County has received 14 federal disaster declarations since 1998, most recently Smokehouse Creek Fire in February 2024. Most frequent causes: Fire (6), Hurricane (3), Severe Ice Storm (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| February 2024 | Fire | Smokehouse Creek Fire |
| 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 |
| September 2011 | Fire | Wildfires |
| July 2011 | Fire | Wildfires |
| March 2008 | Fire | Wildfires |
| January 2006 | Fire | Extreme Wildfire Threat |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Rita |
Showing the 10 most recent of 14 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Roberts County?
Roberts County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 3.1 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 3th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Roberts County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Drought (High, $2M EAL), Wildfire (Low, $365K EAL), Ice Storm (Very Low, $17K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Roberts County compare to other Texas counties?
Roberts County ranks #241 of 254 Texas counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Roberts County had?
FEMA records 14 federal disaster declarations for Roberts County since 1998, most often 6 for fire events and 3 for hurricane events. The most recent was Smokehouse Creek Fire, declared in February 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. Roberts County's $3M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.