Odessa Disaster Risk Score & Hazard Analysis
With a population of 162,648 and a calculated risk score of 79.3, Odessa faces unique challenges. This page is a complete hazard risk assessment for Odessa, TX. Living in Odessa offers a unique lifestyle. But like any location, it has local climate challenges. The most significant threat to be aware of is winter weather.
Total Risk Score
Our algorithm assigns Odessa a Risk Score of 79.274 out of 100. This score is heavily influenced by the high probability of Winter Weather and Wildfire.
Winter storm risk in Odessa, Texas
Severe winter weather and ice storms pose a unique threat to Odessa, potentially causing extended power outages and hazardous road conditions. Infrastructure in the area may be vulnerable to heavy ice accumulation.
Odessa Winter Grid Failure Prep
- •Have a safe, indoor-rated backup heat source
- •Insulate pipes and know how to shut off main water valve
- •Keep a backup battery bank for charging phones
Top Hazards for The Odessa Area
Observing the seasonal cycles typical of Texas, winter weather constitute a major variable in the local quality of life equations. Moreover weighted against regional averages, this score of 98.8 is statistically significant. For new residents, understanding the severity of winter weather in their specific zip code is vital.
Considering the historical weather trends in Texas, data indicates that Odessa has a higher-than-average exposure to wildfires. It is important to note that this metric (score: 94.5) aligns with federal disaster declarations for the county. Having a pre-packed vehicle during fire season is a standard precaution in this area.
The geographical layout of Texas means that emergency services prioritize readiness for these tornado scenarios. Therefore, deep learning models analyzing weather patterns output this risk metric of 86.0. Staying off the roads during a severe tornado event is the safest choice.
Monitor Active Threats
Odessa has identified seismic or wildfire risks. Check our real-time tracker for active events.
Winter Grid Failure Guide
Odessa has significant winter storm risk. Learn the thermodynamics of survival when the power goes out.

The Apartment Fortress
Living in Odessa? Learn how to handle water storage, sanitation, and security in a small space.
How to Prepare in Odessa
Read the Full Guide →General preparedness is critical for Odessa. While specific risks vary, the fundamentals of survival—water, food, and information—remain the same.
Critical Action Checklist
- 1Keep a physical map of the local area in case GPS fails.
- 2Maintain a 3-day supply of non-perishable food and water.
- 3Have a first aid kit and a supply of prescription medications.
- 4Keep a battery-powered radio to stay informed during power outages.
- 5Establish a family communication plan for when cell towers are down.
Essential Gear for Odessa

Water
Sawyer Products Mini Water Filtration System
Filters up to 100,000 gallons. Essential when tap water is compromised.

Power
Anker PowerCore 10K
Pocket-sized power to keep your phone alive for emergency calls.

Power
Petzl Actik Core Headlamp
600 lumens and rechargeable. Hands-free lighting is critical during power outages.
Your safety depends on your readiness. Start building your emergency kit for Winter Weather now.
View Complete Gear Checklist →Compare Nearby Cities
| City | Risk Score | Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| Houston | 100.0 | When compared to Houston, Odessa is statistically safer. The difference of 20.7 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
| Dallas | 98.7 | Dallas and Odessa share similar regional risks, but our data gives Odessa the edge in overall safety. |
| San Antonio | 97.5 | Choosing between Odessa and San Antonio? Odessa presents a lower overall risk profile. |
| Austin | 95.6 | Austin and Odessa share similar regional risks, but our data gives Odessa the edge in overall safety. |
| Fort Worth | 98.3 | When compared to Fort Worth, Odessa is statistically safer. The difference of 19.0 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How common are Winter Weathers in Odessa?
With a risk score of 98.8 for Winter Weather, Odessa is considered highly vulnerable. Residents should have a specific plan for Winter Weather events, which are the primary driver of the city's overall risk profile.
Is Odessa safer than other cities in Texas?
It varies by hazard. While Odessa has its own risk profile (Total Score: 79.3), it is generally comparable to the average in Texas. See our state rankings for a direct comparison.
Should I move to Odessa given the risk of Wildfire?
Every city has risks. The threat of Wildfire (Score: 94.5) is manageable with proper preparation. The local infrastructure in Odessa is designed to handle this, but personal insurance and a 'go-bag' are recommended.
How does Odessa compare to other cities in Texas?
See the full Texas Disaster Rankings to see how Odessa stacks up against other cities in the state.