Natural Disaster Risk — ZIP Code 79842

Natural Hazard Profile: ZIP 79842, Texas

ZIP 79842 covers part of the Marathon area, in the South Central United States. The surrounding region 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 natural hazards that residents of this ZIP code face. Risk scores here are derived from FEMA data for the encompassing county.

FEMA rates ZIP 79842's composite natural disaster risk at 5.4 out of 10 — moderate risk. Snow avalanche exposure tops the local risk profile, with the area's mountain setting and annual snowfall loading producing regular avalanche cycles on steep slopes. Residents should also account for wildfire and drought risk in their preparedness planning.

ZIP 79842'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, the highest-scoring are avalanche, wildfire, and drought. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

ZIP 79842's moderate risk profile means that while catastrophic events are less frequent, they do occur. Standard homeowners insurance typically covers many common hazards here, but confirming that avalanche exposure is adequately protected is a worthwhile step for property owners.