Somervell County, Texas Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · TX
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 11th
Somervell County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 10.8, 11th national percentile), driven primarily by wildfire and drought exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $8M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Overall natural disaster risk in Somervell County is very low, with a National Risk Index score of 10.8 out of 100 — placing it in the 11th 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 wildfire (uncontrolled fires that spread across wildland and into communities) at Low risk — $677K in expected annual loss and about 0.01 events per year; drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Low risk — $142K in expected annual loss and about 53.59 events per year; and hurricane (tropical cyclones bringing extreme wind, rain, and storm surge) at Very Low risk — $58K in expected annual loss and about 0.02 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $8M in expected annual loss for a population of 9K.
Beyond physical exposure, Somervell County has a very low social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a high community resilience rating (its capacity to prepare for and recover from disasters). A less vulnerable population paired with strong resilience helps the community absorb and recover from events.
History supports the rating: Somervell County has received 21 federal disaster declarations since 1989, including 6 for fire events and 4 for severe storm events. The most recent was Chalk Mountain Fire (fire), declared in July 2022.
Among 254 Texas counties, Somervell County ranks #213 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Wildfire | Low | 0.01 / yr | $677K |
| Drought | Low | 53.59 / yr | $142K |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.02 / yr | $58K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.15 / yr | $1M |
| Hail | Low | 7.29 / yr | $249K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 0.84 / yr | $813K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.88 / yr | $58K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 14.16 / yr | $189K |
| Lightning | Low | 51.01 / yr | $150K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.64 / yr | $4M |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.07 / yr | $57 |
| Strong Wind | Very Low | 2.86 / yr | $118K |
| Winter Weather | Very Low | 4.05 / yr | $7K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $10K |
| 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
Somervell County has received 21 federal disaster declarations since 1989, most recently Chalk Mountain Fire in July 2022. Most frequent causes: Fire (6), Severe Storm (4), Hurricane (3).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| July 2022 | Fire | Chalk Mountain 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 |
| June 2016 | Flood | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| May 2015 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds and Flooding |
| July 2011 | Fire | Wildfires |
| March 2011 | Fire | Big Trickle Ranch Fire |
| March 2008 | Fire | Wildfires |
Showing the 10 most recent of 21 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Somervell County?
Somervell County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 10.8 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 11th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Somervell County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Wildfire (Low, $677K EAL), Drought (Low, $142K EAL), Hurricane (Very Low, $58K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Somervell County compare to other Texas counties?
Somervell County ranks #213 of 254 Texas counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Somervell County had?
FEMA records 21 federal disaster declarations for Somervell County since 1989, most often 6 for fire events and 4 for severe storm events. The most recent was Chalk Mountain Fire, declared in July 2022.
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. Somervell County's $8M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.