Union County Disaster Risk
Union County, Florida
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
11th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#67
of 67 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
11th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 11% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 74% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 28% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 27% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Moderate
Higher than 81% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Union County, Florida
Union County is exceptionally safe
Union County's composite risk score of 10.88 places it in the "Very Low" category, making it one of America's safest counties for natural disaster risk. This remarkably low exposure reflects Union's inland, sparsely populated character and distance from major storm-prone zones.
Florida's lowest-risk county by far
Union's 10.88 score is a stark outlier compared to Florida's 75.74 state average, making it by far the state's safest county. Its flood risk of 11.07 is extraordinarily low, reflecting the county's inland topography and minimal precipitation hazard.
Dramatically safer than all peers
Union's 10.88 risk score is incomparably lower than any neighboring county, including Taylor (65.43), Suwannee (71.34), and Sumter (87.60). The county stands alone as a natural disaster safety outlier in northern Florida.
Wildfire and hurricane risks remain minimal
Even Union's highest risk category—wildfire at 73.86—remains well below most Florida counties' overall risk scores. Hurricane risk of 81.48 and tornado risk of 27.70 round out a hazard profile that is exceptionally benign by state and national standards.
Standard homeowners insurance suffices
Union County residents can rely on basic homeowners insurance without the enhanced coverage demands facing higher-risk Florida counties. A standard emergency kit and evacuation plan provide adequate preparedness for this exceptionally low-risk area.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Union County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Union County
Risk Verdict
Union County sits in the lower tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure, ranked at the 11th percentile nationally. A 11th percentile score positions Union County among the nation's lower-risk counties, a genuinely favorable outcome — one that simple, low-cost preparedness habits can reinforce further.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Union County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 81th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 74th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (28th percentile), earthquake (27th percentile), flood (11th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 81th percentile nationally for hurricane exposure, Union County households benefit from reviewing both homeowners and flood insurance coverage before storm season begins — standard policies often exclude storm surge, which is the leading cause of hurricane fatalities. Wildfire at the 74th percentile nationally is Union County's secondary hazard, often intensified by the same weather systems that produce hurricane conditions. Hurricane-force winds cause direct property damage, but storm surge causes the majority of hurricane-related deaths. Union County households near tidal water or low-elevation areas should verify whether they are in a storm surge risk zone.
Regional Context
Union County falls 64.9 points below Florida's typical county risk level, making it one of the safer natural-hazard environments in the state.
Is your household prepared for Union County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Union County, FL?
What types of natural hazards affect Union County?
How does Union County risk compare to the Florida average?
Is Union County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Union County a safe place to live?
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.