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

Holmes County Disaster Risk

Holmes County, Florida

FEMA Risk Rating

Relatively Low

National Percentile

49th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#53

of 67 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

26th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Very Low

Higher than 26% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Very Low

Higher than 32% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 53% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Very Low

Higher than 32% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Moderate

Higher than 91% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Holmes County, Florida

Holmes ranks well below national average

Holmes County's composite risk score of 49.43 places it in the Relatively Low category, far below the typical U.S. county profile. This score reflects a rural Panhandle community with significantly lower natural hazard exposure than most American counties.

Florida's safest county by overall risk

At 49.43, Holmes County ranks among the lowest-risk counties in Florida, falling substantially below the state average of 75.74. The county's inland location and distance from major coasts shield it from the severe hurricane and storm surge threats that affect much of Florida.

Notably safer than Jackson, Washington

Holmes County's 49.43 is significantly lower than neighboring Jackson County (75.70) and other Panhandle peers, making it the region's safest community. This advantageous position reflects the county's inland setting and lower exposure to coastal storms.

Hurricane risk remains significant hazard

Despite Holmes County's overall low composite score, hurricane risk (91.49) remains unexpectedly high and represents the county's primary natural hazard exposure. Tornado risk (52.99) poses moderate threat, while flood (26.46) and wildfire (32.22) risks remain comparatively low.

Focus wind coverage, consider full package

While Holmes County has lower overall risk than most Florida counties, hurricane risk (91.49) still demands robust wind insurance and emergency preparedness. Standard homeowner's coverage combined with windstorm protection should be sufficient, though a flood policy provides comprehensive peace of mind at reasonable cost.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Holmes County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    HurricanePrepare
    91th percentile
  2. #2
    TornadoPrepare
    53th percentile
  3. #3
    WildfirePrepare
    32th percentile

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

Local Resources

Risk Advisory: Holmes County

Risk Verdict

At the 49th percentile nationally, Holmes County experiences a manageable level of natural hazard risk that falls below the U.S. median. Holmes County's 49th percentile ranking is favorable, though every county carries at least one natural hazard worth knowing — reviewing the specific risks listed above helps households focus their preparedness where it matters most.

Hazard Breakdown

Hurricane risk is Holmes County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 91th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 53th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (32th percentile), earthquake (32th percentile), flood (26th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Holmes County's primary hazard, hurricane, ranks at the 91th 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. Tornado at the 53th percentile nationally is Holmes County's secondary hazard, often intensified by the same weather systems that produce hurricane conditions. The National Hurricane Center's official forecast cone and local NWS office watches and warnings are the authoritative sources for Holmes County storm tracking; households benefit from bookmarking these before storm season rather than relying on social media during an event.

Regional Context

Compared to the Florida county average, Holmes County's composite score runs 26.3 points lower — a gap that reflects the county's relatively modest hazard profile within its state context.

Is your household prepared for Holmes 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 Holmes County, FL?
Holmes County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Relatively Low, placing it in the 49th 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 Holmes County?
Holmes County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: hurricane (91th percentile), tornado (53th percentile), wildfire (32th percentile), earthquake (32th percentile), flooding (26th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is hurricane at the 91th 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 Holmes County risk compare to the Florida average?
Holmes County's composite risk percentile is 49th, compared to the Florida state average of 76th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Holmes County faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in Florida.
Is Holmes County at risk for hurricane?
Yes, Holmes County's hurricane risk is at the 91th percentile nationally. This places it in the top quartile for this hazard type. For flooding specifically, Holmes County is at the 26th 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.
Is Holmes County a safe place to live?
Holmes County's composite risk score of 49th percentile is below the Florida state average of 76th percentile, indicating relatively lower exposure to natural hazards. However, no county is completely risk-free. The primary hazard type is hurricane at the 91th percentile. Residents should still maintain emergency preparedness plans and appropriate insurance coverage.

Counties with Similar Risk

Glades County

Florida

-1.4

Relatively Low

48th percentile

Madison County

Florida

-2.0

Relatively Low

47th percentile

Wakulla County

Florida

-2.7

Relatively Low

47th 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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