St. Johns County Disaster Risk
St. Johns County, Florida
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
88th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#36
of 67 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
89th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 89% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 89% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 85% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 57% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Moderate
Higher than 94% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in St. Johns County, Florida
St. Johns faces moderate national risk
St. Johns County's composite risk score of 87.53 places it well above the U.S. average for natural disaster exposure. This "Relatively Moderate" rating indicates consistent, multi-hazard risk that residents should actively manage through appropriate preparedness and insurance.
Above Florida's average risk level
With a score of 87.53, St. Johns substantially exceeds Florida's state average of 75.74, reflecting significant exposure across multiple hazard types. The county's hurricane risk of 93.70 and wildfire risk of 89.41 are the strongest risk drivers relative to other Florida counties.
Moderate risk in coastal cluster
St. Johns' 87.53 risk score places it between neighboring Seminole County (91.44) and Taylor County (65.43), reflecting its exposure as a coastal-to-central region. Its hurricane risk of 93.70 is notably higher than inland counties, reflecting its Atlantic proximity.
Hurricanes and wildfires lead threats
Hurricane risk scores 93.70 in St. Johns, driven by exposure to Atlantic tropical cyclones and associated storm surge, while wildfire risk reaches 89.41 across forested areas. Flooding is also substantial at 89.41, particularly affecting coastal neighborhoods and low-lying inland zones.
Prioritize hurricane and flood protection
St. Johns homeowners must carry flood insurance—either through private providers or the NFIP—given the 89.41 flood risk score and coastal vulnerability. Ensure your homeowners policy covers hurricane damage, upgrade to impact-resistant doors and windows, and maintain clearance around your home to reduce wildfire risk.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in St. Johns County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: St. Johns County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard risk in St. Johns County is higher than the majority of U.S. counties, with a national composite rank of 88th. St. Johns County's elevated composite score reflects cumulative multi-hazard exposure; households should prepare for the county's two or three primary hazard types.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is St. Johns County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 94th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 89th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (89th percentile), tornado (85th percentile), earthquake (57th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 94th percentile nationally for hurricane risk, St. Johns County is in a zone where flood insurance matters beyond the primary wind risk: NFIP flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period before taking effect, making off-season enrollment the correct timing. St. Johns County's flood exposure at the 89th percentile nationally adds a hazard layer that can persist or intensify after hurricane-force winds have passed, particularly in low-lying inland areas. For St. Johns County households, the hurricane preparedness calendar matters: flood insurance has a 30-day waiting period, wind-hardening retrofits take weeks to schedule, and evacuation route scouting is best done before a storm watch is issued.
Regional Context
A composite score 11.8 points above the Florida state average puts St. Johns County in a higher-risk category than most counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for St. Johns County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in St. Johns County, FL?
What types of natural hazards affect St. Johns County?
How does St. Johns County risk compare to the Florida average?
Is St. Johns County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is St. Johns 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.