Dixie County Disaster Risk
Dixie County, Florida
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
35th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#62
of 67 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
74th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 74% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 73% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 26% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 24% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Moderate
Higher than 87% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Dixie County, Florida
Dixie among America's safest counties
Dixie County's composite risk score of 35.50 earns a "Very Low" rating and places it well below the typical U.S. county's natural disaster exposure. This exceptionally low profile reflects its remote Big Bend location and distance from major storm tracks, though hurricane and flood risks persist at modest regional levels.
Florida's lowest-risk county
At 35.50, Dixie County ranks far below Florida's state average of 75.74 and represents the safest major jurisdiction in the state. The Big Bend's isolated geography naturally buffers the county from the concentrated hurricane and coastal hazard exposure that defines most of Florida.
Far safer than surrounding counties
Dixie County (35.50) sits dramatically below Columbia County (69.72), Citrus County (94.69), and all other surrounding jurisdictions. Its remote position and distance from population centers and major transportation corridors create natural shelter from the disaster risks that concentrate in developed Florida regions.
Hurricane and flood are residual risks
Despite very low overall risk, hurricane still scores 87.11—reflecting Florida's tropical exposure even in remote areas—while flood risk reaches 73.60 in vulnerable low areas. Wildfire risk (72.93) affects the county's forests during dry seasons, though the combination remains modest compared to state and national peers.
Basic insurance provides ample protection
Standard homeowners insurance is typically sufficient for Dixie County residents, with wind and hail coverage addressing the primary seasonal threats. Those in documented flood zones or near waterways should confirm coverage, while defensible space management provides cost-effective wildfire protection in this low-risk environment.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Dixie County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Dixie County
Risk Verdict
Dixie County's overall natural disaster score at the 35th percentile puts it well below the national median for hazard exposure. At the 35th percentile nationally, Dixie County's natural hazard profile is comparatively favorable — community resilience is reinforced when individual households maintain a reviewed emergency plan.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Dixie County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 87th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 74th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (73th percentile), tornado (26th percentile), earthquake (24th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Hurricane exposure at the 87th percentile nationally makes Dixie County a county where pre-season preparedness — not storm-day preparation — determines outcomes. Dixie County evacuation decisions under a watch or warning benefit from prior planning, not routes improvised under time pressure. Flood at the 74th percentile nationally is Dixie County's secondary hazard, often intensified by the same weather systems that produce hurricane conditions. Dixie County residents benefit from registering with the county's special-needs evacuation registry if household members have mobility limitations, require electricity-dependent medical equipment, or cannot self-evacuate — registration in advance of storm season is required.
Regional Context
Dixie County's composite risk score sits 40.2 points below the Florida county average, reflecting a more favorable hazard environment than the state typical.
Is your household prepared for Dixie County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Dixie County, FL?
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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.