Baldwin County Disaster Risk
Baldwin County, Alabama
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively High
National Percentile
97th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#3
of 67 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
92th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 92% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 91% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 93% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 72% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively High
Higher than 99% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Baldwin County, Alabama
Baldwin faces high natural disaster risk
Baldwin County's composite risk score of 96.72 ranks it as Relatively High—among the most at-risk counties nationally. This coastal location makes it vulnerable to multiple concurrent hazards, especially hurricanes and flooding.
Highest-risk county in Alabama
Baldwin's 96.72 score far exceeds Alabama's state average of 61.54, making it the state's most disaster-prone county. The gap reflects Baldwin's unique position as Alabama's only coastal county with direct hurricane exposure and extensive water-based development.
Baldwin stands apart from inland counties
Baldwin (96.72) faces dramatically higher risk than inland Alabama counties like Autauga (57.57) and Bibb (39.12). Its exposure to Gulf hurricanes (99.25 risk) and coastal flooding (92.21 risk) creates hazard intensities unmatched elsewhere in the state.
Hurricanes and flooding dominate Baldwin's threats
Hurricane risk peaks at 99.25—among the highest in the nation—while flood risk of 92.21 reflects both storm surge and inland rainfall concerns. Tornado risk of 92.84 adds another layer, meaning Baldwin residents face a rare triple threat of major hazards.
Hurricane coverage is non-negotiable
Baldwin homeowners must carry windstorm or dedicated hurricane coverage—standard homeowners policies exclude wind damage in coastal areas. Flood insurance is equally essential; federal law requires it for mortgaged homes in flood zones, and many Baldwin residents qualify.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Baldwin County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Baldwin County
Risk Verdict
Baldwin County ranks in the top tier for natural disaster risk nationally, with a composite score at the 97th percentile. Comprehensive household preparedness — including reviewing insurance, maintaining emergency supplies, and knowing evacuation routes — is strongly recommended.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Baldwin County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 99th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 93th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (92th percentile), wildfire (91th percentile), earthquake (72th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Baldwin County ranks at the 99th percentile nationally for hurricane risk. For coastal counties, wind-resistant shutters or impact-rated windows represent the highest single structural investment for reducing property damage. Baldwin County's tornado exposure at the 93th percentile nationally adds a hazard layer that can persist or intensify after hurricane-force winds have passed, particularly in low-lying inland areas. For extended post-storm outages common in Baldwin County's hurricane zone, a portable generator (operated outdoors only) and a supply of non-perishable food for at least seven days provides meaningful household resilience.
Regional Context
Compared to other Alabama counties, Baldwin County runs 35.2 composite risk points higher than the state mean — reflecting above-average hazard concentration in this area.
Is your household prepared for Baldwin County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Baldwin County, AL?
What types of natural hazards affect Baldwin County?
How does Baldwin County risk compare to the Alabama average?
Is Baldwin County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Baldwin County higher risk than average?
Data Source
Risk data sourced from the FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Risk scores are relative rankings (0–100) across all US counties — not absolute risk measures. Higher scores indicate higher relative risk compared to other counties.
Disclaimer: This data is informational only. It is not financial, insurance, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making insurance or real estate decisions.