Natural Disaster Risk in Ackerly

Natural Hazard Profile: Ackerly, Texas

Ackerly is a small community of about 840 in Martin County, in the arid interior West. The area experiences an exceptionally varied climate from humid subtropical in the east to desert in the west, with overlapping tornado, hurricane, flood, and drought seasons shaping the pattern of natural hazards that residents encounter. Understanding the local risk profile is essential for anyone living in, moving to, or owning property in Ackerly.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Ackerly carries an overall risk score of 4.2/10, placing it in the moderate category. Prolonged drought is the primary hazard risk, shaped by low annual rainfall, high evaporation rates, and increasing temperature trends that deepen and lengthen dry periods. The area also faces notable exposure to hail and wildfire.

Ackerly's risk score, slightly below the 5.6/10 state average and near the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Martin County, the highest-scoring are drought, hail, and wildfire. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

With a moderate risk rating, Ackerly residents are well-served by maintaining standard preparedness practices — an emergency supply kit, awareness of local hazard seasonality, and insurance that covers the top local risks. Periodic review of coverage for drought is recommended.