Stephens County, Texas Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · TX
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 9th
Stephens County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 9.2, 9th national percentile), driven primarily by wildfire and hail exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $5M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Stephens County carries a very low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 9.2 out of 100 — placing it in the 9th 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 wildfire (uncontrolled fires that spread across wildland and into communities) at Low risk — $288K in expected annual loss and about 0.01 events per year; hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Low risk — $366K in expected annual loss and about 6.68 events per year; and landslide (downhill movement of rock, soil, and debris on unstable slopes) at Very Low risk — $2K in expected annual loss and about 0.15 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $5M in expected annual loss for a population of 9K.
Beyond physical exposure, Stephens 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.
History supports the rating: Stephens County has received 23 federal disaster declarations since 1978, including 10 for fire events and 3 for flood events. The most recent was Severe Winter Storms (severe ice storm), declared in February 2021.
Among 254 Texas counties, Stephens County ranks #217 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Wildfire | Low | 0.01 / yr | $288K |
| Hail | Low | 6.68 / yr | $366K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.15 / yr | $2K |
| Drought | Low | 81.77 / yr | $130K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 11.79 / yr | $213K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.66 / yr | $646K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 1.05 / yr | $373K |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $11K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 2.12 / yr | $247K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.71 / yr | $2M |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.75 / yr | $11K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $11K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 49.13 / yr | $19K |
| Winter Weather | Very Low | 5.05 / yr | $3K |
| 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
Stephens County has received 23 federal disaster declarations since 1978, most recently Severe Winter Storms in February 2021. Most frequent causes: Fire (10), Flood (3), Hurricane (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 |
| June 2016 | Flood | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| July 2011 | Fire | Wildfires |
| April 2011 | Fire | Hohertz Fire |
| April 2011 | Fire | Pk East Fire |
| April 2011 | Fire | Pk West Fire |
| April 2009 | Fire | Breckenridge Fire |
Showing the 10 most recent of 23 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Stephens County?
Stephens County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 9.2 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 9th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Stephens County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Wildfire (Low, $288K EAL), Hail (Low, $366K EAL), Landslide (Very Low, $2K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Stephens County compare to other Texas counties?
Stephens County ranks #217 of 254 Texas counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Stephens County had?
FEMA records 23 federal disaster declarations for Stephens County since 1978, most often 10 for fire events and 3 for flood 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. Stephens County's $5M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.