Suwannee County Disaster Risk
Suwannee County, Florida
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
71th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#45
of 67 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
63th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 63% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 82% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 52% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 45% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Moderate
Higher than 93% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Suwannee County, Florida
Suwannee's risk remains elevated
Despite a "Relatively Low" rating, Suwannee County's composite risk score of 71.34 still exceeds the typical U.S. county's baseline hazard exposure. Hurricane and wildfire risks remain meaningful concerns even as the county's overall profile is more favorable than many peers.
Below Florida's elevated state average
Suwannee's 71.34 score falls modestly below Florida's 75.74 state average, making it one of the state's lower-risk counties. Its tornado risk of 51.72 is particularly low compared to statewide patterns, though hurricane and wildfire exposure remain present.
More favorable than inland neighbors
Suwannee's 71.34 risk score is notably lower than Seminole County (91.44) and Sumter County (87.60), though it exceeds Union County (10.88). The county's more northern location provides some tornado and hurricane relief versus central Florida's highest-risk zones.
Hurricanes and wildfires are primary hazards
Hurricane risk scores 93.37 in Suwannee, indicating significant exposure despite the county's relatively low overall composite score. Wildfire risk reaches 81.87, reflecting forested terrain and seasonal fire conditions, while tornado risk is comparatively modest at 51.72.
Standard coverage meets Suwannee needs
Suwannee homeowners should secure basic homeowners insurance with wind and hail coverage, plus flood insurance if in a mapped risk zone. Maintain vegetation clearance around your home and a basic emergency kit, as the county's overall risk profile is more manageable than Florida's coastal hotspots.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Suwannee County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Suwannee County
Risk Verdict
Suwannee County's FEMA risk score places it at the 71th percentile nationally, indicating lower-than-typical exposure for a U.S. county. A moderate composite score often means one or two hazard categories are doing the heavy lifting — knowing which ones matters for preparation.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Suwannee County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 93th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 82th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (63th percentile), tornado (52th percentile), earthquake (45th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With hurricane ranked at the 93th percentile nationally, Suwannee County sits in a zone where multi-day supply readiness matters: grid outages after landfalling storms can last one to three weeks in heavily affected areas. Suwannee County's wildfire exposure at the 82th percentile nationally adds a hazard layer that can persist or intensify after hurricane-force winds have passed, particularly in low-lying inland areas. Insurance gaps are the most common post-hurricane financial shock: standard homeowners policies typically exclude flood damage and may have a separate wind deductible. Suwannee County households benefit from a pre-season insurance review confirming both wind and flood coverage.
Regional Context
Suwannee County sits within 4.4 composite points of the Florida state average, suggesting the county's hazard exposure is representative of the broader regional pattern.
Is your household prepared for Suwannee County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
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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.