riskbycounty
FEMA NRI 1.19.0Updated Nov 2023 · Coverage 2014–2023Methodology

Coweta County Disaster Risk

Coweta County, Georgia

FEMA Risk Rating

Relatively Low

National Percentile

66th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#36

of 159 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

72th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 72% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 48% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 81% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 69% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 62% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Coweta County, Georgia

Coweta County faces moderate disaster risk

Coweta County's composite risk score of 65.62 places it in the relatively low category but still 66% above Georgia's state average of 39.49. The county's primary threats cluster around flood (72.14) and tornado (80.66) hazards. This moderate profile requires focused preparedness attention.

Moderate risk among Georgia counties

Coweta County ranks in the moderate risk tier statewide with a 65.62 composite score, notably driven by tornado risk of 80.66 and flood risk of 72.14. Earthquake risk of 69.47 adds another layer of concern, while wildfire risk (47.65) remains comparatively low. The county's position west of Atlanta exposes it to diverse hazard types.

Less risky than counties to the east

Coweta County (65.62) sits safer than Columbia County (76.84) and far safer than Cobb County (94.37) to the northeast, but somewhat more vulnerable than Cook County (34.83) to the southwest. Crisp County (52.29) to the south presents lower overall risk. Coweta represents a transitional zone in Georgia's disaster vulnerability landscape.

Tornado and flood threats most pressing

Tornado risk of 80.66 makes severe convective weather Coweta's foremost concern, particularly during spring months when rotating supercells can develop rapidly across the metro-adjacent landscape. Flood risk of 72.14 compounds the threat, especially for properties near river corridors and low-lying areas. Both require active monitoring and preparation.

Flood and wind coverage essential

Coweta County residents should secure flood insurance given the risk score of 72.14, as standard homeowners policies exclude water damage—critical for areas near the Chattahoochee River system. Ensure your policy includes comprehensive wind and hail coverage for tornado risk of 80.66; consider a safe room designed to protect against severe thunderstorm impacts.

Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Coweta County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    TornadoPrepare
    81th percentile
  2. #2
    FloodPrepare
    72th percentile
  3. #3
    EarthquakePrepare
    69th percentile

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)

Risk Advisory: Coweta County

Risk Verdict

With a national percentile rank of 66th, Coweta County faces below-average hazard exposure relative to U.S. counties as a whole. Above-average risk does not mean imminent danger; it signals that informed, hazard-specific preparedness has high value here.

Hazard Breakdown

Tornado risk is Coweta County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 81th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 72th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (69th percentile), hurricane (62th percentile), wildfire (48th percentile).

Preparedness Context

At the 81th percentile nationally for tornado risk, Coweta County households benefit most from a reliable alert system — a NOAA weather radio that activates during overnight hours when residents may not be checking smartphone alerts. The secondary flood hazard at the 72th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Coweta County's preparedness calendar, since flood and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. For Coweta County households, a pre-decided family shelter plan — who goes where, how children are retrieved from school during a warning, and a neighborhood meet-up point if phones fail — provides real protection that no supply kit alone can replicate.

Regional Context

At 26.1 points above the Georgia state average, Coweta County carries meaningfully higher natural disaster exposure than a typical Georgia county.

Is your household prepared for Coweta County's hazards?

Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.

FEMA Ready Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the natural disaster risk in Coweta County, GA?
Coweta County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Relatively Low, placing it in the 66th percentile nationally out of 3,144 counties. This composite score reflects the county's overall exposure to natural hazards including floods, wildfires, tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes, weighted by expected annual loss and social vulnerability.
What types of natural hazards affect Coweta County?
Coweta County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: tornado (81th percentile), flooding (72th percentile), earthquake (69th percentile), hurricane (62th percentile), wildfire (48th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is tornado at the 81th percentile nationally. These scores are derived from FEMA's National Risk Index, which analyzes expected annual loss, social vulnerability, and community resilience for each hazard type.
How does Coweta County risk compare to the Georgia average?
Coweta County's composite risk percentile is 66th, compared to the Georgia state average of 40th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Very Low. This means Coweta County faces higher natural disaster risk than the typical county in Georgia.
Is Coweta County at risk for tornado?
Yes, Coweta County's tornado risk is at the 81th percentile nationally. This places it in the top quartile for this hazard type. For flooding specifically, Coweta County is at the 72th percentile.
How is natural disaster risk measured?
FEMA's National Risk Index (NRI) calculates risk scores for 18 natural hazard types across all U.S. counties and census tracts. The composite score combines Expected Annual Loss (estimated dollar losses from each hazard), Social Vulnerability (demographic factors affecting disaster impact), and Community Resilience (ability to recover). Percentile scores rank each county against all 3,144 U.S. counties, and risk ratings range from Very Low to Very High.
Why is Coweta County higher risk than average?
Coweta County's composite risk score of 66th percentile is above the Georgia state average of 40th percentile. This elevated risk is driven by tornado exposure (81th percentile), along with flooding and earthquake and hurricane risk. Geographic location, terrain, climate patterns, and proximity to flood zones or fault lines all influence a county's risk profile.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

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.