Hillsborough County Disaster Risk
Hillsborough County, Florida
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively High
National Percentile
99th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#6
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
Very High
Higher than 100% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 69% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively High
Higher than 99% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Hillsborough County, Florida
Hillsborough faces the highest national risks
Hillsborough County's composite risk score of 98.82 ranks it in the Relatively High category and places it among the riskiest counties in the entire United States. This exceptional score reflects the Tampa Bay area's exposure to virtually every natural hazard type.
Florida's most hazard-exposed county
Hillsborough County's 98.82 score significantly exceeds Florida's state average of 75.74, ranking it as one of the state's highest-risk communities. The county faces compounding risks across hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and wildfires—a uniquely challenging profile.
Far exceeds Tampa Bay regional peers
Hillsborough's 98.82 is substantially higher than neighboring Pinellas and Pasco counties, making it the most hazard-exposed county in the Tampa Bay region. This elevated score reflects the county's coastal position, inland flood vulnerability, and exposure to tornado corridors.
Tornadoes, hurricanes, and floods all extreme
Hillsborough faces extraordinary exposure across nearly every hazard: tornado risk (99.65), hurricane risk (99.29), and flood risk (97.77) all exceed the 97th percentile nationally. Even wildfire risk (95.67) and earthquake risk (68.54) substantially exceed typical U.S. levels.
Max out all available coverage immediately
Hillsborough County residents face extreme multi-hazard risk and must secure the most comprehensive insurance available: full wind coverage for hurricanes (99.29 risk), dedicated flood insurance given 97.77 flood risk, and tornado coverage documentation. Consider structural upgrades like safe rooms, impact windows, and elevated mechanical systems—standard precautions are insufficient given your 98.82 composite risk score.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Hillsborough County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Hillsborough County
Risk Verdict
FEMA's National Risk Index places Hillsborough County at the 99th percentile nationally — in the high-risk bracket for U.S. counties. Residents should prioritize a formal household emergency plan, including evacuation routes, insurance review, and a well-stocked emergency kit.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Hillsborough County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 100th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 99th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (98th percentile), wildfire (96th percentile), earthquake (69th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With tornado ranked at the 100th percentile nationally, Hillsborough County sits in a high-exposure zone where the difference between outcomes often comes down to proximity to a reinforced interior shelter and seconds of warning time. The secondary hurricane hazard at the 99th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Hillsborough County's preparedness calendar, since hurricane and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. For Hillsborough County households, safe rooms certified to FEMA 320/361 standards offer the highest protection during a direct tornado hit; households without a safe room should locate the innermost lowest-floor room in their building and practice the route to it before storm season.
Regional Context
Hillsborough County is 23.1 composite risk points above the Florida average, indicating that residents face greater natural hazard exposure than most of their in-state neighbors.
Is your household prepared for Hillsborough County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Hillsborough County, FL?
What types of natural hazards affect Hillsborough County?
How does Hillsborough County risk compare to the Florida average?
Is Hillsborough County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Hillsborough 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.