Duval County Disaster Risk
Duval County, Florida
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively High
National Percentile
97th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#12
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
Moderate
Higher than 90% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 92% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 90% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively High
Higher than 98% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Duval County, Florida
Duval ranks among nation's riskiest
Duval County's composite risk score of 97.20 places it in the "Relatively High" category and among the most hazard-exposed counties in America. This elevated profile reflects its Atlantic location, dense urban development in Jacksonville, and exposure to multiple simultaneous disaster types including hurricanes (97.66), flooding (97.55), and tornadoes (91.54).
Second-riskiest county in Florida
At 97.20, Duval County significantly exceeds Florida's state average of 75.74 and ranks as one of the state's two or three highest-risk jurisdictions. The county's Atlantic Coast position, major port infrastructure, and extensive urban footprint create compounded vulnerability to multiple disaster types.
Extreme risk even among Gulf peers
Duval County (97.20) substantially exceeds nearby Clay County (81.08) and approaches or exceeds the state's riskiest coastal counties including Collier (98.92) and Escambia (95.10). As the urban anchor of Northeast Florida, Duval concentrates both population exposure and infrastructure at risk.
Hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes converge
Hurricane risk scores 97.66, flood risk 97.55, and tornado risk 91.54—a devastating combination that threatens the Jacksonville metropolitan area from multiple directions. Storm surge, inland flooding, and severe thunderstorms create compounded seasonal hazards for this densely populated Atlantic County.
Comprehensive multi-hazard insurance critical
With a 97.66 hurricane score and 97.55 flood score, robust homeowners insurance covering wind, hail, and impact damage plus separate flood insurance are non-negotiable for Duval residents. Impact-resistant windows, reinforced roofs, and storm shutters provide practical protection; those in flood-prone neighborhoods should prioritize elevation or relocation if feasible.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Duval County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Duval County
Risk Verdict
With a national rank of 97th percentile, Duval County faces above-average natural disaster pressure across several hazard categories. High composite risk signals that multiple hazard types are elevated simultaneously; planning for more than one scenario is important in Duval County.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Duval County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 98th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 98th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (92th percentile), earthquake (90th percentile), wildfire (90th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Duval County's primary hazard, hurricane, ranks at the 98th percentile nationally. Having a designated out-of-area contact, a pre-packed go-bag with medications and documents, and a confirmed evacuation route reduces decision-making load when a storm intensifies rapidly. Duval County's flood exposure at the 98th percentile nationally adds a hazard layer that can persist or intensify after hurricane-force winds have passed, particularly in low-lying inland areas. The National Hurricane Center's official forecast cone and local NWS office watches and warnings are the authoritative sources for Duval County storm tracking; households benefit from bookmarking these before storm season rather than relying on social media during an event.
Regional Context
Duval County falls 21.5 points above Florida's typical county risk level, which means the hazard environment here is notably more demanding than the state baseline.
Is your household prepared for Duval County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Duval County, FL?
What types of natural hazards affect Duval County?
How does Duval County risk compare to the Florida average?
Is Duval County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Duval 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.