Sumter County Disaster Risk
Sumter County, Florida
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
88th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#35
of 67 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
85th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 85% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 92% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 92% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 45% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively High
Higher than 96% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Sumter County, Florida
Sumter's risk exceeds U.S. baseline
Sumter County's composite risk score of 87.60 puts it in the "Relatively Moderate" category, notably above the national average for natural disaster exposure. The county faces consistent multi-hazard risk across wildfire, tornado, and hurricane threats.
Above Florida's average across hazards
At 87.60, Sumter's risk score exceeds Florida's state average of 75.74, driven by elevated wildfire (92.30), tornado (91.60), and hurricane (95.83) risks. The county's inland location makes wildfire and tornado particularly acute concerns relative to some coastal Florida counties.
Moderate risk in central corridor
Sumter's 87.60 score places it between Suwannee County (71.34) and Seminole County (91.44) in the risk spectrum. Its wildfire and tornado risks are notably higher than Suwannee's, reflecting central Florida's forested terrain and storm exposure.
Wildfires and tornadoes are acute
Wildfire risk reaches 92.30 in Sumter County, reflecting extensive forested acreage and dry season conditions, while tornado risk scores 91.60 from spring convective activity. Hurricane risk of 95.83, though the county is inland, demonstrates Florida's statewide exposure to tropical cyclone impacts.
Wildfire and storm-resistant upgrades pay
Sumter residents should clear vegetation 30+ feet around their homes to reduce wildfire risk and ensure homeowners insurance explicitly covers wind and hail damage. Consider metal roofing, impact-resistant windows, and maintaining a defensible space as part of a comprehensive wildfire mitigation strategy.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Sumter County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Sumter County
Risk Verdict
Sumter County's overall risk score at the 88th percentile nationally signals meaningful exposure to multiple natural hazard types. Comprehensive household preparedness — including reviewing insurance, maintaining emergency supplies, and knowing evacuation routes — is strongly recommended.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Sumter County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 96th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 92th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (92th percentile), flood (85th percentile), earthquake (45th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Sumter County ranks at the 96th percentile nationally for hurricane risk. For coastal counties, wind-resistant shutters or impact-rated windows represent the highest single structural investment for reducing property damage. Wildfire at the 92th percentile nationally is Sumter County's secondary hazard, often intensified by the same weather systems that produce hurricane conditions. For extended post-storm outages common in Sumter County's hurricane zone, a portable generator (operated outdoors only) and a supply of non-perishable food for at least seven days provides meaningful household resilience.
Regional Context
Compared to other Florida counties, Sumter County runs 11.9 composite risk points higher than the state mean — reflecting above-average hazard concentration in this area.
Is your household prepared for Sumter County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Sumter County, FL?
What types of natural hazards affect Sumter County?
How does Sumter County risk compare to the Florida average?
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How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Sumter 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.