Young County, Texas Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · TX
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 36th
Young County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 36.4, 36th national percentile), driven primarily by drought and wildfire exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $11M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Overall natural disaster risk in Young County is very low, with a National Risk Index score of 36.4 out of 100 — placing it in the 36th 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 drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at High risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 68.52 events per year; wildfire (uncontrolled fires that spread across wildland and into communities) at Medium risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 0.01 events per year; and hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Medium risk — $652K in expected annual loss and about 7.38 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $11M in expected annual loss for a population of 18K.
Beyond physical exposure, Young County has a medium social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a 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.
The county's disaster history tells the same story: Young County has received 21 federal disaster declarations since 1978, including 7 for fire events and 4 for severe storm events. The most recent was Severe Winter Storms (severe ice storm), declared in February 2021.
Among 254 Texas counties, Young County ranks #155 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Drought | High | 68.52 / yr | $2M |
| Wildfire | Medium | 0.01 / yr | $1M |
| Hail | Medium | 7.38 / yr | $652K |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 2.42 / yr | $784K |
| Heat Wave | Low | 12.26 / yr | $538K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.14 / yr | $2K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.66 / yr | $1M |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $33K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 1.14 / yr | $4M |
| Winter Weather | Low | 5.11 / yr | $31K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 1.05 / yr | $428K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.78 / yr | $29K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $53K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 48.77 / 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
Young County has received 21 federal disaster declarations since 1978, most recently Severe Winter Storms in February 2021. Most frequent causes: Fire (7), Severe Storm (4), 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 |
| May 2015 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds and Flooding |
| July 2011 | Fire | Wildfires |
| April 2011 | Fire | Hohertz Fire |
| April 2011 | Fire | Pk East Fire |
| April 2011 | Fire | Pk West 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 Young County?
Young County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 36.4 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 36th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Young County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Drought (High, $2M EAL), Wildfire (Medium, $1M EAL), Hail (Medium, $652K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Young County compare to other Texas counties?
Young County ranks #155 of 254 Texas counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Young County had?
FEMA records 21 federal disaster declarations for Young County since 1978, most often 7 for fire events and 4 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. Young County's $11M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.