Wilbarger County, Texas Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · TX
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 46th
Wilbarger County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 46.1, 46th national percentile), driven primarily by drought and hail exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $11M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Wilbarger County at low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 46.1 out of 100 — placing it in the 46th 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.
Most of Wilbarger County's expected losses come from drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at High risk — $5M in expected annual loss and about 148.68 events per year; hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Medium risk — $560K in expected annual loss and about 8.48 events per year; and strong wind (damaging straight-line winds outside of tornadoes and hurricanes) at Medium risk — $800K in expected annual loss and about 3.52 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $11M in expected annual loss for a population of 13K.
Beyond physical exposure, Wilbarger County has a very high 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). Higher vulnerability is partly offset by strong community resilience and recovery capacity.
The federal record bears this out: Wilbarger County has received 17 federal disaster declarations since 1979, including 5 for fire events and 3 for severe storm events. The most recent was Severe Winter Storms (severe ice storm), declared in February 2021.
Among 254 Texas counties, Wilbarger County ranks #139 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Drought | High | 148.68 / yr | $5M |
| Hail | Medium | 8.48 / yr | $560K |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 3.52 / yr | $800K |
| Heat Wave | Low | 13.63 / yr | $587K |
| Ice Storm | Medium | 0.82 / yr | $131K |
| Wildfire | Low | 0.00 / yr | $79K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.68 / yr | $1M |
| Winter Weather | Low | 7.05 / yr | $31K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $78K |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $10K |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 1.16 / yr | $213K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.11 / yr | $101 |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.50 / yr | $1M |
| Lightning | Very Low | 49.69 / yr | $13K |
| 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
Wilbarger County has received 17 federal disaster declarations since 1979, most recently Severe Winter Storms in February 2021. Most frequent causes: Fire (5), Severe Storm (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 |
| February 2016 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding |
| July 2011 | Fire | Wildfires |
| April 2011 | Fire | Waggoner Ranch Fire |
| March 2008 | Fire | Wildfires |
| June 2007 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| January 2006 | Fire | Extreme Wildfire Threat |
Showing the 10 most recent of 17 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Wilbarger County?
Wilbarger County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 46.1 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 46th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Wilbarger County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Drought (High, $5M EAL), Hail (Medium, $560K EAL), Strong Wind (Medium, $800K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Wilbarger County compare to other Texas counties?
Wilbarger County ranks #139 of 254 Texas counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Wilbarger County had?
FEMA records 17 federal disaster declarations for Wilbarger County since 1979, most often 5 for fire events and 3 for severe storm 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. Wilbarger County's $11M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.