Webb County, Texas Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · TX
MediumComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 89th
Webb County faces medium composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 89.2, 89th national percentile), driven primarily by heat wave and cold wave exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $46M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Overall natural disaster risk in Webb County is medium, with a National Risk Index score of 89.2 out of 100 — placing it in the 89th national percentile and near the national midpoint 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 heat wave (prolonged periods of extreme heat that threaten health and infrastructure) at High risk — $7M in expected annual loss and about 10.26 events per year; cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at High risk — $8M in expected annual loss and about 1.26 events per year; and riverine flood (rivers and streams overflowing their banks after heavy rain or snowmelt) at Medium risk — $25M in expected annual loss and about 2.64 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $46M in expected annual loss for a population of 266K.
Beyond physical exposure, Webb County has a very high 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). That combination — a more vulnerable population with limited resilience — can amplify the human cost of any given event.
The federal record bears this out: Webb County has received 22 federal disaster declarations since 1972, including 10 for hurricane events and 3 for fire events. The most recent was Hurricane Beryl (hurricane), declared in July 2024.
Among 254 Texas counties, Webb County ranks #25 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Heat Wave | High | 10.26 / yr | $7M |
| Cold Wave | High | 1.26 / yr | $8M |
| Riverine Flood | Medium | 2.64 / yr | $25M |
| Hail | Medium | 0.66 / yr | $984K |
| Hurricane | Medium | 0.06 / yr | $2M |
| Winter Weather | Medium | 0.68 / yr | $109K |
| Tornado | Medium | 0.23 / yr | $2M |
| Ice Storm | Medium | 0.08 / yr | $106K |
| Wildfire | Low | 0.00 / yr | $66K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.32 / yr | $1K |
| Lightning | Low | 35.81 / yr | $168K |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 0.29 / yr | $379K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $117K |
| Drought | Low | 103.61 / yr | $33K |
| 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
Webb County has received 22 federal disaster declarations since 1972, most recently Hurricane Beryl in July 2024. Most frequent causes: Hurricane (10), Fire (3), Severe Ice Storm (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| July 2024 | Hurricane | Hurricane Beryl |
| February 2021 | Severe Ice Storm | Severe Winter Storms |
| February 2021 | Severe Ice Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| July 2020 | Hurricane | Hurricane Hanna |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| April 2011 | Fire | El Cenizo Fire |
| August 2010 | Hurricane | Hurricane Alex |
| June 2010 | Hurricane | Tropical Storm Alex |
| September 2008 | Hurricane | Hurricane Ike |
Showing the 10 most recent of 22 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Webb County?
Webb County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 89.2 out of 100, placing it in the Medium category and the 89th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Webb County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Heat Wave (High, $7M EAL), Cold Wave (High, $8M EAL), Riverine Flood (Medium, $25M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Webb County compare to other Texas counties?
Webb County ranks #25 of 254 Texas counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a medium rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Webb County had?
FEMA records 22 federal disaster declarations for Webb County since 1972, most often 10 for hurricane events and 3 for fire 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. Webb County's $46M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.