Washington County, Texas Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · TX
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 72th
Washington County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 72.0, 72th national percentile), driven primarily by hurricane and cold wave exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $21M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Washington County carries a low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 72.0 out of 100 — placing it in the 72nd national percentile and below the national average for natural-disaster risk. 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 hurricane (tropical cyclones bringing extreme wind, rain, and storm surge) at Medium risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 0.09 events per year; cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at Medium risk — $3M in expected annual loss and about 0.89 events per year; and tornado (violently rotating columns of air capable of catastrophic local damage) at Medium risk — $3M in expected annual loss and about 0.38 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $21M in expected annual loss for a population of 36K.
Beyond physical exposure, Washington County has a very high social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a medium community resilience rating (its capacity to prepare for and recover from disasters). That combination — a more vulnerable population with limited resilience — can amplify the human cost of any given event.
The federal record bears this out: Washington County has received 20 federal disaster declarations since 1993, including 6 for hurricane events and 4 for flood events. The most recent was Hurricane Beryl (hurricane), declared in July 2024.
Among 254 Texas counties, Washington County ranks #74 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Hurricane | Medium | 0.09 / yr | $2M |
| Cold Wave | Medium | 0.89 / yr | $3M |
| Tornado | Medium | 0.38 / yr | $3M |
| Drought | Medium | 41.19 / yr | $607K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 1.25 / yr | $10M |
| Hail | Low | 2.58 / yr | $379K |
| Heat Wave | Low | 11.68 / yr | $593K |
| Lightning | Medium | 60.67 / yr | $231K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.87 / yr | $92K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 2.42 / yr | $59K |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 1.51 / yr | $423K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $31K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $38K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.08 / yr | $116 |
| 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
Washington County has received 20 federal disaster declarations since 1993, most recently Hurricane Beryl in July 2024. Most frequent causes: Hurricane (6), Flood (4), Fire (3).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| July 2024 | Hurricane | Hurricane Beryl |
| May 2024 | Flood | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| 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 |
| August 2017 | Hurricane | Hurricane Harvey |
| June 2016 | Flood | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| April 2016 | Flood | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| May 2015 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds and Flooding |
Showing the 10 most recent of 20 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Washington County?
Washington County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 72.0 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 72th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Washington County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Hurricane (Medium, $2M EAL), Cold Wave (Medium, $3M EAL), Tornado (Medium, $3M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Washington County compare to other Texas counties?
Washington County ranks #74 of 254 Texas counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Washington County had?
FEMA records 20 federal disaster declarations for Washington County since 1993, most often 6 for hurricane events and 4 for flood events. The most recent was Hurricane Beryl, declared in July 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. Washington County's $21M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.