Natural Disaster Risk in Tarpley

Natural Hazard Profile: Tarpley, Texas

Tarpley is a small unincorporated community in Bandera County, along the Gulf Coast. 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 Tarpley.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Tarpley carries an overall risk score of 5.9/10, placing it in the moderate category. Fire risk is the leading concern in the area, where seasonal drought and combustible vegetation combine to create a high-risk wildfire environment. The area also faces notable exposure to lightning and hail.

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

With a moderate risk rating, Tarpley 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 wildfire is recommended.