Highlands County Disaster Risk
Highlands County, Florida
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
89th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#31
of 67 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
78th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 78% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 93% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 83% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 28% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively High
Higher than 96% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Highlands County, Florida
Highlands faces notably above-average risks
Highlands County's composite risk score of 89.44 places it firmly in the Relatively Moderate category, well above the typical U.S. county profile. This score reflects a rural county with significant exposure to multiple storm and fire hazards.
Top tier of Florida's riskiest counties
At 89.44, Highlands County ranks among Florida's higher-exposure counties, exceeding the state average of 75.74 by nearly 14 points. This puts the county in the top third of Florida's natural hazard risk distribution.
Slightly less risky than Polk, more exposed than Glades
Highlands County's 89.44 places it squarely in the central Florida risk tier, comparable to nearby Polk County. The county faces notably higher composite risk than western neighbors like Glades County, reflecting its greater exposure to multiple hazard types.
Hurricanes and wildfires drive most exposure
Hurricane risk (95.70) and wildfire risk (92.72) dominate the county's profile, both exceeding 92 on the risk scale. Tornado risk (82.54) and flood risk (78.40) add additional layers of vulnerability in this multi-hazard environment.
Secure wind and fire insurance immediately
Highlands County's hurricane (95.70) and wildfire (92.72) risks are severe—prioritize comprehensive wind coverage and investigate wildfire insurance options specific to your location. Add a separate flood policy to your homeowner's insurance, as standard policies exclude flood damage despite your 78.40 flood risk score.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Highlands County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Highlands County
Risk Verdict
With a composite score at the 89th percentile, Highlands County sits above the national median for natural hazard exposure. Proactive preparedness — not reactive response — is key to managing life in one of the country's higher-risk counties; Highlands County residents should plan accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Highlands County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 96th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 93th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (83th percentile), flood (78th percentile), earthquake (28th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 96th percentile nationally for hurricane exposure, Highlands County households benefit from reviewing both homeowners and flood insurance coverage before storm season begins — standard policies often exclude storm surge, which is the leading cause of hurricane fatalities. Highlands County's wildfire 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. Hurricane-force winds cause direct property damage, but storm surge causes the majority of hurricane-related deaths. Highlands County households near tidal water or low-elevation areas should verify whether they are in a storm surge risk zone.
Regional Context
At 13.7 points above the Florida state average, Highlands County carries meaningfully higher natural disaster exposure than a typical Florida county.
Is your household prepared for Highlands County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Highlands County, FL?
What types of natural hazards affect Highlands County?
How does Highlands County risk compare to the Florida average?
Is Highlands County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Highlands 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.