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FEMA NRI 1.19.0Updated Nov 2023 · Coverage 2014–2023Methodology

Collier County Disaster Risk

Collier County, Florida

FEMA Risk Rating

Relatively High

National Percentile

99th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#5

of 67 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

98th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Relatively High

Higher than 98% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Relatively High

Higher than 96% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 76% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Very Low

Higher than 39% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Very High

Higher than 100% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Collier County, Florida

Collier ranks among nation's highest risks

Collier County's composite risk score of 98.92 places it in the top tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster vulnerability, earning a "Relatively High" rating. This near-perfect risk score reflects extreme exposure to hurricanes (99.75), flooding (98.25), and wildfire (96.44)—a triple threat unmatched in most American communities.

Florida's most hazardous county

At 98.92, Collier County significantly exceeds Florida's state average of 75.74 and ranks among the state's highest-risk jurisdictions. The Gulf Coast location, combined with extensive low-lying areas and seasonal wildfire exposure, creates one of Florida's most multifaceted disaster vulnerability profiles.

Extreme risk even among Gulf neighbors

Collier County (98.92) surpasses nearby Citrus County (94.69) and Escambia County (95.10), making it the riskiest of Florida's major Gulf Coast counties. Its hurricane and flood scores exceed regional averages, reflecting both the open Gulf exposure and the county's dense network of vulnerable developments.

Hurricane and flood risk off the charts

Hurricane risk peaks at 99.75—the highest possible exposure level—while flood risk reaches 98.25, reflecting storm surge vulnerability and low topography throughout the county. Wildfire risk at 96.44 adds a third critical hazard during Florida's dry seasons, affecting both developed and natural areas.

Comprehensive insurance non-negotiable

With a 99.75 hurricane score, robust homeowners insurance covering wind, hail, and impact damage is essential; consider supplemental coverage options. Flood insurance is mandatory in most Collier neighborhoods due to high-risk zones, and residents should prioritize property elevation, impact-resistant construction, and defensible space against wildfire risk.

Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Collier County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    HurricanePrepare
    100th percentile
  2. #2
    FloodPrepare
    98th percentile
  3. #3
    WildfirePrepare
    96th percentile

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)

Local Resources

Risk Advisory: Collier County

Risk Verdict

Collier County ranks in the top tier for natural disaster risk nationally, with a composite score at the 99th percentile. Comprehensive household preparedness — including reviewing insurance, maintaining emergency supplies, and knowing evacuation routes — is strongly recommended.

Hazard Breakdown

Hurricane risk is Collier County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 100th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 98th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (96th percentile), tornado (76th percentile), earthquake (39th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Collier County ranks at the 100th 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. Flood, the county's second-ranked hazard at the 98th percentile nationally, represents an additional preparedness consideration for Collier County independent of hurricane season. For extended post-storm outages common in Collier 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 Florida counties, Collier County runs 23.2 composite risk points higher than the state mean — reflecting above-average hazard concentration in this area.

Is your household prepared for Collier County's hazards?

Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.

FEMA Ready Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the natural disaster risk in Collier County, FL?
Collier County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Relatively High, placing it in the 99th percentile nationally out of 3,144 counties. This composite score reflects the county's overall exposure to natural hazards including floods, wildfires, tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes, weighted by expected annual loss and social vulnerability.
What types of natural hazards affect Collier County?
Collier County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: hurricane (100th percentile), flooding (98th percentile), wildfire (96th percentile), tornado (76th percentile), earthquake (39th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is hurricane at the 100th percentile nationally. These scores are derived from FEMA's National Risk Index, which analyzes expected annual loss, social vulnerability, and community resilience for each hazard type.
How does Collier County risk compare to the Florida average?
Collier County's composite risk percentile is 99th, compared to the Florida state average of 76th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Collier County faces higher natural disaster risk than the typical county in Florida.
Is Collier County at risk for hurricane?
Yes, Collier County's hurricane risk is at the 100th percentile nationally. This places it in the top quartile for this hazard type. For flooding specifically, Collier County is at the 98th percentile.
How is natural disaster risk measured?
FEMA's National Risk Index (NRI) calculates risk scores for 18 natural hazard types across all U.S. counties and census tracts. The composite score combines Expected Annual Loss (estimated dollar losses from each hazard), Social Vulnerability (demographic factors affecting disaster impact), and Community Resilience (ability to recover). Percentile scores rank each county against all 3,144 U.S. counties, and risk ratings range from Very Low to Very High.
Why is Collier County higher risk than average?
Collier County's composite risk score of 99th percentile is above the Florida state average of 76th percentile. This elevated risk is driven by hurricane exposure (100th percentile), along with flooding and wildfire and tornado risk. Geographic location, terrain, climate patterns, and proximity to flood zones or fault lines all influence a county's risk profile.

Counties with Similar Risk

Hillsborough County

Florida

-0.1

Relatively High

99th percentile

Lee County

Florida

+0.1

Relatively High

99th percentile

Palm Beach County

Florida

+0.3

Relatively High

99th percentile

By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

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.

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