Washington County Disaster Risk
Washington County, Florida
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
59th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#51
of 67 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
36th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 36% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 60% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 69% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 33% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Moderate
Higher than 92% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Washington County, Florida
Washington County sits below national risk average
Washington County's composite risk score of 59.45 falls in the Relatively Low category, below the U.S. average. While this suggests lower overall exposure than typical American counties, it masks elevated regional hazards that residents should not overlook.
Moderate standing within Florida
Washington County (59.45) ranks closer to the middle of Florida's risk spectrum, sitting below the state average of 75.74. This middling position reflects the county's blend of coastal hurricane exposure and inland protections that make it somewhat more resilient than coastal-heavy peers.
Between Wakulla and Walton risk levels
Washington County (59.45) occupies middle ground between Wakulla County's lower risk (46.69) and Walton County's higher exposure (88.58). Its position reflects stronger inland geography than Walton but greater coastal vulnerability than Wakulla, making it a transitional risk profile in the region.
Hurricanes pose the dominant threat
Washington County's hurricane risk score of 92.49 represents its primary natural disaster concern, driven by its proximity to the Gulf. Tornado risk (68.86) ranks second, followed by wildfire (60.27), creating seasonal hazard cycles that peak during summer and fall storm seasons.
Strengthen hurricane and tornado defenses
With hurricane risk at 92.49 and tornado risk at 68.86, your homeowners policy should emphasize wind and hail coverage with reasonable deductibles. Add flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program and verify that your roof, windows, and structural fasteners meet modern hurricane standards for the best protection.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Washington County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Washington County
Risk Verdict
Washington County ranks at the 59th percentile nationally for natural disaster risk — below the median for U.S. counties. Residents are encouraged to understand which hazards dominate locally and tailor their preparedness accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Washington County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 92th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 69th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (60th percentile), flood (36th percentile), earthquake (33th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Washington County ranks at the 92th 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. Washington County's tornado exposure at the 69th percentile nationally adds a hazard layer that can persist or intensify after hurricane-force winds have passed, particularly in low-lying inland areas. For extended post-storm outages common in Washington 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
A composite score 16.3 points below the Florida state average puts Washington County in a better-than-typical position relative to neighboring counties.
Is your household prepared for Washington County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Washington County, FL?
What types of natural hazards affect Washington County?
How does Washington County risk compare to the Florida average?
Is Washington County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Washington 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.