Leon County Disaster Risk
Leon County, Florida
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
93th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#24
of 67 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
92th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 92% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 90% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively High
Higher than 97% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 67% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively High
Higher than 97% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Leon County, Florida
Leon County's disaster risk exceeds national norms
Leon County's composite risk score of 93.35 with a 'Relatively Moderate' rating significantly outpaces the national average. The county experiences elevated exposure across hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods—a trio of hazards that makes year-round disaster awareness essential.
Second-riskiest county in Florida
Leon County's score of 93.35 exceeds Florida's state average of 75.74 and ranks among the state's top hazard-exposure counties. Only Lee County (99.05) outpaces Leon, making it the second-most vulnerable county in the state.
Part of Florida's highest-risk cluster
Leon County's 93.35 score aligns with Lake County (91.92) and reflects the elevated risk running through central and northern Florida. The neighboring patterns suggest a regional vulnerability corridor affecting multiple population centers across the state.
Tornadoes and hurricanes dominate the threat profile
Leon County residents face tornado risk at 97.11 and hurricane risk at 97.12—nearly identical extreme exposures across both hazards. Flood risk at 91.51 adds a third significant threat, creating a multi-season disaster environment.
Multi-hazard insurance and hardening are critical
Leon County homeowners should secure wind/hurricane insurance, understand flood risk in their specific neighborhoods, and consider community shelter plans for tornado season. Strengthening garage doors, securing roof attachments, and identifying safe interior rooms provide life-saving protection when warnings activate.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Leon County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Leon County
Risk Verdict
Leon County registers a moderately elevated natural disaster risk, ranking at the 93th percentile across all U.S. counties. High composite risk signals that multiple hazard types are elevated simultaneously; planning for more than one scenario is important in Leon County.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Leon County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 97th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 97th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (92th percentile), wildfire (90th percentile), earthquake (67th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Leon County's primary hazard, hurricane, ranks at the 97th 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. Leon County's tornado exposure at the 97th 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 Leon County storm tracking; households benefit from bookmarking these before storm season rather than relying on social media during an event.
Regional Context
Leon County falls 17.6 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 Leon County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Leon County, FL?
What types of natural hazards affect Leon County?
How does Leon County risk compare to the Florida average?
Is Leon County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Leon 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.