Scurry County, Texas Natural Disaster Risk

FEMA National Risk Index assessment · TX

Very Low

Composite Risk Score

30.0

National percentile: 30th

Scurry County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 30.0, 30th national percentile), driven primarily by drought and hail exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $8M.

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025

Risk Overview

FEMA's National Risk Index rates Scurry County at very low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 30.0 out of 100 — placing it in the 30th 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.

Most of Scurry County's expected losses come from drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at High risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 59.13 events per year; hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Medium risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 4.71 events per year; and wildfire (uncontrolled fires that spread across wildland and into communities) at Low risk — $882K in expected annual loss and about 0.01 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $8M in expected annual loss for a population of 17K.

Beyond physical exposure, Scurry County has a medium 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 federal record bears this out: Scurry County has received 15 federal disaster declarations since 1993, including 5 for fire events and 3 for hurricane events. The most recent was Severe Winter Storms (severe ice storm), declared in February 2021.

Among 254 Texas counties, Scurry County ranks #169 for overall natural disaster risk.

Expected Annual Loss $8M Annualized county-level EAL
Social Vulnerability Medium Population sensitivity
Community Resilience Very Low Capacity to recover
Population 17K Latest estimate

Top Hazards

High $2M/yr
Medium $1M/yr
Low $882K/yr

All 18 Hazard Risks

Drought High 59.13 / yr$2M
Hail Medium 4.71 / yr$1M
Wildfire Low 0.01 / yr$882K
Winter Weather Low 6.37 / yr$60K
Strong Wind Low 1.89 / yr$425K
Tornado Low 0.57 / yr$829K
Heat Wave Very Low 5.68 / yr$183K
Ice Storm Low 0.24 / yr$24K
Cold Wave Low 0.79 / yr$308K
Riverine Flood Very Low 1.64 / yr$2M
Hurricane Very Low 0.01 / yr$6K
Landslide Very Low 0.13 / yr$111
Earthquake Very Low 0.00 / yr$26K
Lightning Very Low 48.41 / yr$36K
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

Scurry County has received 15 federal disaster declarations since 1993, most recently Severe Winter Storms in February 2021. Most frequent causes: Fire (5), Hurricane (3), Severe Ice Storm (2).

DeclaredTypeDisaster
February 2021Severe Ice StormSevere Winter Storms
February 2021Severe Ice StormSevere Winter Storm
March 2020BiologicalCovid-19 Pandemic
March 2020BiologicalCovid-19
February 2016Severe StormSevere Winter Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding
July 2011FireWildfires
March 2008FireWildfires
February 2008FireScurry Fire Complex
January 2006FireExtreme Wildfire Threat
September 2005HurricaneHurricane Rita

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 Scurry County?

Scurry County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 30.0 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 30th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.

What are the top natural hazards in Scurry County?

The three highest-rated hazards are Drought (High, $2M EAL), Hail (Medium, $1M EAL), Wildfire (Low, $882K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.

How does Scurry County compare to other Texas counties?

Scurry County ranks #169 of 254 Texas counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.

How many federally declared disasters has Scurry County had?

FEMA records 15 federal disaster declarations for Scurry County since 1993, most often 5 for fire events and 3 for hurricane 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. Scurry County's $8M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.