Natural Disaster Risk in Keene

Natural Hazard Profile: Keene, Texas

Keene is a town of roughly 5,586 residents in Johnson County, in the interior eastern United States. 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 Keene.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Keene carries an overall risk score of 6.8/10, placing it in the high category. Tornadoes represent the primary threat to life and property here, with the local geography placing the community squarely in a high-frequency severe weather corridor. The area also faces notable exposure to wildfire and heat.

Keene's risk score, slightly above the 5.6/10 state average and well above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Johnson County, the highest-scoring are tornado, wildfire, and heat. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

With a high natural disaster risk rating, Keene residents benefit from taking preparedness seriously. Reviewing insurance coverage for tornado and secondary hazards, registering for emergency alerts, and maintaining a household emergency kit are practical steps that can significantly reduce impact during a major event.